Contradiction with Matthew 24:36
Matthew 24:36 states that no one knows the day or hour of the end, not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father, which seems to contradict the declaration of omniscience in Revelation 1:8.
Matthew 24:36: But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Contradiction with John 14:28
In John 14:28, Jesus says, "My Father is greater than I," which can contradict the equality implied in the statement "I am Alpha and Omega" present in Revelation 1:8.
John 14:28: Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
Contradiction with Mark 10:18
Mark 10:18 states that no one is good but God alone, which may contradict Jesus's divine equivalence implied in Revelation 1:8.
Mark 10:18: And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:28
1 Corinthians 15:28 discusses the Son being subject to the Father, which could contradict the equal authority and completeness expressed in Revelation 1:8.
1 Corinthians 15:28: And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Paradox #1
The concept of God being both "the Alpha and the Omega" might raise questions for some people about how God, as an eternal being, fits into linear concepts of time, like a beginning and an end. This could seem inconsistent with the idea of eternal existence outside of time. However, many theologians interpret this as a way to express God's omnipresence and control over all of creation, rather than a literal timeline.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency could relate to the use of the terms "Alpha and Omega," which are Greek alphabet letters. Critics argue that these terms might be inconsistent with a historical Jewish context, as the original audiences of written biblical texts in the Jewish tradition would use Hebrew, not Greek. However, the New Testament, including Revelation, was written in Greek, which could explain the usage. This could lead to discussions about cultural and linguistic influences on biblical texts.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction in Revelation 1:8 could be the idea of an all-powerful being having ultimate control versus human free will. People might wonder how humans can truly be free if there's a higher power controlling everything from beginning to end. This can lead to questions about personal responsibility and autonomy.