Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Revelation 9:18 speaks of destruction by plagues, whereas Matthew 5:44 emphasizes loving and praying for one's enemies, promoting peace instead of destruction.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Romans 12:21
Revelation 9:18 describes harm coming to many people, while Romans 12:21 encourages overcoming evil with good, suggesting a focus on positive actions rather than causing harm.
Romans 12:21: Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:23
The verse in Revelation details extensive death, but Ezekiel 18:23 indicates that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, highlighting a divine preference for repentance over destruction.
Ezekiel 18:23: Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Contradiction with John 10:10
Revelation 9:18 involves the death of many, whereas John 10:10 portrays Jesus as bringing life abundantly, contrasting with the theme of widespread death.
John 10:10: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
This verse indicates God's patience, not wanting anyone to perish, which contrasts with the large scale destruction depicted in Revelation 9:18.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Paradox #1
The potential conflict is that Revelation 9:18 describes a third of humanity being killed by plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur, which could be seen as inconsistent with scientific understanding of global events. From a scientific perspective, such a massive and rapid loss of life due to these particular causes would require extraordinary natural or supernatural explanations that do not align with current scientific knowledge about how plagues and large-scale environmental changes occur.
Paradox #2
This verse describes widespread destruction and death caused by plagues, which can be seen as morally contradictory since a loving and merciful God is involved in such severe punishment. It raises questions about the balance between justice and compassion.