Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 6:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 6:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 6:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, Jesus is teaching that when you do something kind or good, you should not do it just to show off to others. Instead, it's better to be kind because it's the right thing to do, and then God will be happy with you.

Matthew 6:1: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. [alms: or, righteousness] [of your: or, with your]

Contradiction with Matthew 5:16

This verse encourages letting your light shine before others so they may see your good works, which contrasts with doing alms in secret as instructed in Matthew 6:1.

Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Contradiction with John 13:35

This verse says that love for one another will show everyone that you are Christ’s disciples, which implies a public demonstration of good deeds, contrasting with the private practice encouraged in Matthew 6:1.

John 13:35: By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Contradiction with James 2:18

This verse speaks about showing faith through works, suggesting a more public demonstration, which contrasts with the private doing of good deeds recommended in Matthew 6:1.

James 2:18: Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. [without: some copies read, by]

Contradiction with Acts 9:36

The description of Tabitha's works and almsdeeds being well-known publicly contradicts with the private act encouraged in Matthew 6:1.

Acts 9:36: Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. [Dorcas: or, Doe, or, Roe]

Contradiction with 1 Peter 2:12

This verse encourages having honest conduct before others to glorify God, which involves public visibility, in contrast to the secretive practice in Matthew 6:1.

1 Peter 2:12: Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. [whereas: or, wherein]

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict in this verse could be that it suggests doing good deeds in private, possibly conflicting with the idea of setting a good example for others through visible actions. People might feel unsure whether to hide their good actions or openly inspire others.

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