Contradiction with John 8:12
Jesus claims to be the light of the world, which contrasts with the idea of Sodom and Egypt, symbols of darkness and sin.
John 8:12: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 14:33
States that God is not the author of confusion, whereas Revelation 11:8 might seem confusing with the allegorical reference to cities.
1 Corinthians 14:33: For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness]
Contradiction with Galatians 4:26
Speaks of the "Jerusalem which is above," a place of spiritual purity, which conflicts with the corrupted city imagery in Revelation 11:8.
Galatians 4:26: But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Contradiction with Isaiah 52:1
Commands to awaken and put on strength in Zion, the holy city, contrasting with the defiled cities in Revelation 11:8.
Isaiah 52:1: Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.
Contradiction with Hebrews 12:22
Describes the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, with an assembly of holy beings, in contrast to the sinful references.
Hebrews 12:22: But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Paradox #1
Revelation 11:8 can be seen as having a contradiction or conflict because it refers to the "great city" as symbolically called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. This could be confusing because Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem, not Sodom or Egypt. The use of symbolic names raises questions about the literal versus metaphorical interpretation of location and events, potentially causing inconsistencies in understanding the text.
Paradox #2
Revelation 11:8 mentions two cities symbolically linked to events in the narrative. Some contradictions or conflicts arise because the verse references Jerusalem but also symbolically associates it with Sodom and Egypt, which are distinct places with different historical and cultural contexts. This blending can be confusing since it mixes actual locations with symbolic meanings, leading to debates about the precise interpretation and the specific historical or prophetic events being described.
Paradox #3
The moral conflict in this verse could stem from the depiction of a city symbolically associated with both positive and negative historical places, embodying moral and spiritual contradictions. It highlights tension between holiness and corruption co-existing within a single entity.