Contradiction with Matthew 4:10
This verse emphasizes worshiping the Lord alone, which contrasts with John's initial act of worship toward the angel in Revelation 22:9.
Matthew 4:10: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Contradiction with Colossians 2:18
Warns against the worship of angels, which shows corrective context contradicting the idea of bowing to an angel, as initially done by John in Revelation 22:9.
Colossians 2:18: Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, [beguile...: or, judge against you] [in a...: Gr. being a voluntary in humility]
Contradiction with Exodus 34:14
Stresses that God is a jealous God and only He should be worshiped, underscoring a contradiction to any other entity being worshiped as suggested by John’s initial action.
Exodus 34:14: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God:
Contradiction with Isaiah 6:3
Highlights the holiness of God, emphasizing a singular worship direction, which contradicts any other form of worship introduced in Revelation 22:9.
Isaiah 6:3: And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory. [one...: Heb. this cried to this] [the whole...: Heb. his glory is the fulness of the whole earth]
Contradiction with Acts 10:25-26
When Peter refused worship from Cornelius, it supports an alignment with Revelation 22:9, but contradicts the initial worship impulse by showing proper worship etiquette.
Acts 10:25-26: And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped [him].
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Revelation 22:9 lies in the distinction between worshiping angels versus God. Throughout the Bible, worship is reserved for God alone, but this verse specifically instructs not to worship the messenger (angel), which reaffirms the monotheistic principle and clarifies that even heavenly beings should not receive the kind of reverence due only to God. If misunderstood, it could lead to confusion about whom worship is truly directed towards.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in Revelation 22:9 could stem from the emphasis on worshiping only God, as opposed to venerating angels or other entities. Some might see a contradiction in religious practices where figures other than God are revered, potentially conflicting with this directive to worship solely God.