Contradiction with Matthew 5:39
Encourages not to resist evil and to turn the other cheek, contradicting retributive justice.
Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Instructs to love and pray for enemies, opposing the concept of vengeance.
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 Proverbs 24:29
Advises against revenge, suggesting we shouldn't say we'll repay evil.
Proverbs 24:29: Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Urges believers not to repay evil with evil, promoting non-retaliation.
1 Thessalonians 5:15: See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
Contradiction with Proverbs 20:22
Advises waiting for the Lord, contradicting personal vengeance.
Proverbs 20:22: Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Contradiction with Luke 6:27
Encourages doing good to those who hate you, opposing vengeance.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:9
Instructs to not repay evil with evil, advocating against revenge.
1 Peter 3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction with this verse because it advises against seeking revenge, but other parts of the Bible contain stories where God commands or approves of acts of vengeance or punishment. This can seem inconsistent to those who expect a uniform message about justice and forgiveness.
Paradox #2
Romans 12:19 advises against taking personal revenge and suggests leaving justice to God. A possible contradiction could arise when compared to passages in the Old Testament that outline specific laws for retribution, like "an eye for an eye." This might seem inconsistent because one part of the Bible advocates personal justice, while the other advises against it and emphasizes divine justice instead. However, many theologians reconcile this by interpreting the New Testament as a shift in focus towards forgiveness and love.
Paradox #3
Romans 12:19 talks about leaving vengeance to God rather than taking revenge ourselves. The contradiction or conflict might arise when considering justice and immediate response to wrongs. Some might feel conflicted because the idea of not seeking justice personally could be seen as allowing wrongdoing to go unpunished in the short term, which might seem unfair or unjust from a human perspective.