Contradiction with Matthew 5:42
Philemon 1:13 implies a desire to keep Onesimus while Matthew 5:42 encourages giving to those who ask, suggesting Onesimus should be returned if requested.
Matthew 5:42: Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:13
Philemon 1:13 involves retaining Onesimus for serving Paul while Galatians 5:13 emphasizes serving one another in love, possibly contradicting self-serving retention.
Galatians 5:13: For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Contradiction with Ephesians 6:9
Philemon 1:13 suggests keeping Onesimus with him while Ephesians 6:9 warns masters against treating servants unfairly, implying returning him might be fairer.
Ephesians 6:9: And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. [forbearing: or, moderating] [your...: some read, both your and their Master]
Contradiction with Colossians 4:1
Philemon 1:13 discusses keeping a servant who belongs to another, while Colossians 4:1 advises fair treatment of servants, implying Onesimus should be fairly returned.
Colossians 4:1: Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 2:18
Philemon 1:13 suggests keeping Onesimus for service, while 1 Peter 2:18 advises servants to be subject to their masters, implying Onesimus should remain with Philemon.
1 Peter 2:18: Servants, [be] subject to [your] masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
Contradiction with Romans 13:7
Philemon 1:13 indicates a wish to keep Onesimus, but Romans 13:7 emphasizes rendering to all their due, suggesting Onesimus belongs to Philemon.
Romans 13:7: Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Contradiction with Luke 6:31
Philemon 1:13 involves keeping someone who belongs to someone else, while Luke 6:31 teaches doing unto others as you'd have done to you, implying rightful return.
Luke 6:31: And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Paradox #1
Philemon 1:13 could present a moral conflict about the issue of slavery. While Paul writes about keeping a servant for help, the broader moral question is whether it's right to own or control another person. This can appear inconsistent with the message of love and equality in other parts of the Bible.