Contradiction with John 3:16
While Revelation 16:13 speaks of unclean spirits, John 3:16 emphasizes God’s love and the salvation brought through Jesus.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Contradiction with 1 John 4:8
This verse states "God is love,” which contrasts with the destructive and deceptive nature of the spirits in Revelation 16:13.
1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:9
The verse blesses peacemakers, which contradicts the malevolent actions of the spirits mentioned in Revelation 16:13.
Matthew 5:9: Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:22-23
Describes the fruits of the Spirit as love, joy, and peace, contrasting with the deception of the spirits in Revelation 16:13.
Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Contradiction with James 3:17
This verse talks about wisdom being pure and peaceable, conflicting with the deceitful nature of the spirits in Revelation 16:13.
James 3:17: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [partiality: or, wrangling]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 14:33
Declares that God is not the author of confusion, while Revelation 16:13 introduces spirits that create chaos.
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 Isaiah 41:10
Offers assurance of God’s presence and strength, in contrast to the fear induced by the spirits in Revelation 16:13.
Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Contradiction with Romans 12:21
Advises to overcome evil with good, contradicting the malevolent influence of the spirits in Revelation 16:13.
Romans 12:21: Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Contradiction with Philippians 4:8
Encourages focusing on things that are true and praiseworthy, unlike the deceitful spirits in Revelation 16:13.
Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. [honest: or, venerable]
Paradox #1
Revelation 16:13 describes the emergence of unclean spirits or entities that perform signs and come out of the mouths of a dragon, a beast, and a false prophet, which some readers might struggle to reconcile with other teachings about the power of God over all spirits and the ultimate defeat of evil. This could raise questions about why such entities are temporarily allowed to perform miraculous signs and influence the world if God is ultimately sovereign. Additionally, some might find it inconsistent with the notion that God’s messages and works through prophets are always pure and truthful, leading to confusion about the nature of these entities and their role within God’s plan.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in this context could be the description of "spirits" taking physical form or emerging from beings. Science does not support the existence of supernatural entities or the ability of spirits to physically manifest. This concept conflicts with our understanding of biology and physics, which does not recognize or observe spirits in a tangible form.