Contradiction with Matthew 16:25
This verse emphasizes losing one's life to find it, contrasting with the desire for fruitful labor in living on, as mentioned in Philippians 1:22.
Matthew 16:25: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 2:11
This verse talks about the vanity of labor and works under the sun, contradicting the notion of fruitful labor in Philippians 1:22.
Ecclesiastes 2:11: Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all [was] vanity and vexation of spirit, and [there was] no profit under the sun.
Contradiction with Luke 10:40-42
Jesus tells Martha that Mary has chosen the better part by sitting and listening, which contrasts with Philippians 1:22's focus on active fruitful labor.
Luke 10:40-42: But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Contradiction with John 6:27
Encourages laboring for eternal sustenance rather than earthly, temporal achievements, which could contrast with the fruitful labor meant in Philippians 1:22.
John 6:27: Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. [Labour not: or, Work not]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:58
Emphasizes steadfastness in work for the Lord, which may be seen as consistent but contrasts in focus compared to personal fruitful labor in Philippians 1:22.
1 Corinthians 15:58: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Contradiction with James 4:14
Reflects on the fleeting nature of life, suggesting a contrast with the focus on continued labor in life as Philippians 1:22 does.
James 4:14: Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. [It...: or, For it is]
Contradiction with Psalm 127:1
Suggests that labor without the Lord's blessing is in vain, which might oppose the value of mere fruitful labor emphasized in Philippians 1:22.
Psalm 127:1: [A Song of degrees for Solomon.] Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain. [for...: or, of Solomon] [that...: Heb. that are builders of it in it]
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction or inconsistency in Philippians 1:22 could be the tension between personal desires and selfless duty. It reflects a conflict between wanting to pursue personal spiritual gain and choosing to remain alive to continue helping others, highlighting a struggle between self-interest and selfless service.