Contradiction with Matthew 5:14
This verse speaks of believers being the light of the world, suggesting engagement with the world, whereas Revelation 18:4 calls for separation from it.
Matthew 5:14: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Contradiction with John 17:15
Here, Jesus prays not for believers to be taken out of the world, but to be protected from evil, in contrast to Revelation 18:4 which calls for coming out from the corrupt systems.
John 17:15: I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 5:10
Paul advises that it is necessary to associate with the world to some degree, which appears contrary to the call for complete separation in Revelation 18:4.
1 Corinthians 5:10: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 9:22
Paul's approach of becoming "all things to all men" to save some contradicts the directive in Revelation 18:4 to come out and separate from such systems.
1 Corinthians 9:22: To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.
Contradiction with Colossians 2:20-21
This passage questions the need for separation from worldly practices, contrasting with the call to "come out of her" in Revelation 18:4.
Colossians 2:20-21: Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, [rudiments: or, elements]
Paradox #1
One possible theological tension with the verse is the idea of separation from a corrupt system versus the call to evangelize and transform society. In Christianity, believers are often encouraged to engage with and positively influence the world around them. However, the verse might be seen as advocating withdrawal, which could seem inconsistent with the directive to spread love and make disciples among all people. Thus, the balance between separation for purity and engagement for transformation can be a point of discussion.
Paradox #2
Revelation 18:4 might appear to conflict with the idea that God is always merciful and wants to save everyone, as it calls for believers to come out from a place destined for destruction to avoid sharing in its sins and plagues. This could seem inconsistent with the belief that God offers salvation to all, as it suggests abandoning those who are not saved. However, it can also be understood as a call for believers to separate themselves from sinful influences, which aligns with other teachings encouraging a life of righteousness.
Paradox #3
One possible conflict with the historical context is that Revelation 18:4 urges people to come out of "Babylon" to avoid sharing in its sins. Some scholars argue that "Babylon" symbolically refers to the Roman Empire, which was seen as oppressive to early Christians. The historical inconsistency may arise because the early Christian church could not practically separate itself from the Roman Empire's political and social systems, as they were deeply embedded into everyday life. This could be seen as contradictory to the advice given in the passage.
Paradox #4
The moral conflict in Revelation 18:4 could arise from the call to separate oneself from a corrupt or sinful society. This might contradict the idea of staying engaged with the world to help and improve it, as some teachings encourage active involvement rather than withdrawal. Choosing to leave might seem like abandoning responsibilities to help others who are still in the society.