Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Jesus instructs to love enemies and pray for those who persecute you, emphasizing unconditional love contrasted with personal gain as suggested in Philemon 1:20.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Matthew 6:14-15
These verses emphasize forgiving others to be forgiven by God, which might contradict seeking personal comfort or benefit from another's actions as implied in Philemon 1:20.
Matthew 6:14-15: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Contradiction with Luke 6:35
Jesus teaches to love enemies and lend without expecting anything in return, which contradicts seeking joy or personal benefit in Philemon 1:20.
Luke 6:35: But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 13:5
Love seeks no selfish gain; contrasting with Philemon 1:20 which can imply seeking personal benefit from a forgiven relationship.
1 Corinthians 13:5: Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Contradiction with Philippians 2:3
Calls for doing nothing out of selfish ambition, while Philemon 1:20 could be seen as Paul seeking personal joy from Philemon's actions.
Philippians 2:3: [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Contradiction with James 2:4
Speaks against favoritism, potentially contradicting the personal request for benefit in Philemon 1:20.
James 2:4: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
Contradiction with 1 John 3:17
Encourages action based on love rather than requests for personal benefit, contrasting the request in Philemon 1:20.
1 John 3:17: But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Philemon 1:20 could be seen in the context of endorsing slavery or the master-slave relationship while advocating for Christian love and equality. While the request in the verse implies kindness and brotherhood, it doesn't confront or condemn the institution of slavery itself, creating a tension between promoting compassion and tolerating an oppressive system.