Contradictions and Paradoxes in Revelation 2:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Revelation 2:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Revelation 2:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, God is upset because the people in the church are listening to a bad woman named Jezebel who is teaching them to do wrong things like worshiping other gods and behaving badly. God wants them to stop following her and do what is right.

Revelation 2:20: Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Contradiction with Exodus 34:15

This verse advises against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land to avoid idolatry, contradicting the allowance of Jezebel's teachings in Revelation 2:20.

Exodus 34:15: Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and [one] call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;

Contradiction with 1 Kings 18:21

Elijah condemns wavering between God and Baal, which conflicts with the tolerance of Jezebel's seduction in Revelation 2:20.

1 Kings 18:21: And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word. [opinions: or, thoughts]

Contradiction with Jeremiah 23:14

This verse denounces committing adultery and walking in lies, contrasting with the actions allowed by Jezebel in Revelation 2:20.

Jeremiah 23:14: I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. [an...: or, filthiness]

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 6:14

Advises against being yoked with unbelievers, which contradicts the tolerance of Jezebel's influence in Revelation 2:20.

2 Corinthians 6:14: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Contradiction with Galatians 5:9

Describes how a little leaven leavens the whole lump, highlighting the danger of allowing corrupt teachings like those mentioned in Revelation 2:20.

Galatians 5:9: A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

Contradiction with Ephesians 5:11

Urges believers to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, contradicting the permissiveness of Jezebel's deeds in Revelation 2:20.

Ephesians 5:11: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

Contradiction with 2 Timothy 4:3

Warns about people not enduring sound doctrine, contradicting the toleration of Jezebel's teaching in Revelation 2:20.

2 Timothy 4:3: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Paradox #1

One potential contradiction in Revelation 2:20 could involve the concept of divine judgment versus forgiveness. This verse shows condemnation for certain behaviors, which might seem in tension with the broader biblical themes of forgiveness and grace. Some might argue that it contradicts the idea that anyone can repent and be forgiven, suggesting a limit on who can receive grace. However, interpretations often reconcile these themes by emphasizing justice alongside mercy.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or conflict with Revelation 2:20 can arise from the mention of "Jezebel." This name is tied to a biblical figure from the Old Testament who was the wife of King Ahab and is associated with leading Israel into idolatry and immorality. The reference in Revelation is symbolic and intended to convey a message about false teachings and immorality within the church. The contradiction might arise if readers try to interpret it as a direct historical reference rather than symbolic, leading to confusion or inconsistency regarding the figure's historical existence or actions.

Paradox #3

The potential contradiction in Revelation 2:20 lies in the criticism of tolerance. The verse criticizes a church for tolerating wrongdoing and false teachings, but this seems to contradict the broader Christian emphasis on love, forgiveness, and acceptance of others. Balancing these values with standing against falsehoods might lead to a perceived inconsistency.

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