Contradiction with Acts 5:29
Peter and the apostles state, "We ought to obey God rather than men," suggesting that divine authority surpasses human governmental authority.
Acts 5:29: Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Contradiction with Exodus 1:17
The Hebrew midwives did not follow the king of Egypt's command to kill male Hebrew babies, implying disobedience to unjust rulers.
Exodus 1:17: But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
Contradiction with Daniel 3:18
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the king's image, demonstrating resistance to government demands that conflict with religious beliefs.
Daniel 3:18: But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Contradiction with Revelation 13:7
Describes a beast given power to rule over every tribe, but later condemned, indicating that not all rulers are ordained by God.
Revelation 13:7: And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Contradiction with Hosea 8:4
States, "They have set up kings, but not by me," challenging the notion that all existing authorities are established by God.
Hosea 8:4: They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew [it] not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:7
God tells Samuel that by asking for a king, the people have rejected Him, suggesting caution about human leadership.
1 Samuel 8:7: And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
Contradiction with Matthew 2:12
The wise men ignored King Herod's directive to tell him the location of the newborn Jesus, implying that not all king's decrees are to be followed.
Matthew 2:12: And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 12:16
Israel rebels against Rehoboam's rule, showing that people may reject certain rulers or governments.
1 Kings 12:16: So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither [have we] inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.
Contradiction with Mark 13:9
Jesus warns of being delivered up to councils and beaten in synagogues, implying that following God's will may conflict with human authorities.
Mark 13:9: But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
Contradiction with Micah 6:16
Acknowledges the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of Ahab's house, which are condemned, showing a distinction between God's will and human rulership.
Micah 6:16: For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people. [For the...: or, For he doth much keep the, etc] [desolation: or, astonishment]
Contradiction with Isaiah 10:1
"Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees," indicating that some rulers' commands are not just and should not be obeyed.
Isaiah 10:1: Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness [which] they have prescribed; [that write...: or, to the writers that write grievousness]
Paradox #1
Romans 13:1 talks about obeying authorities because they are established by God. The contradiction can arise when these authorities act against God's teachings. For example, if a government enforces laws that are unjust or harmful, it conflicts with the idea of following God's higher moral law, creating a dilemma between obeying human laws and staying true to divine commandments.
Paradox #2
Romans 13:1 can seem to contradict the idea of resisting unjust rulers or governments. Some people see a conflict between obeying authorities and standing up for justice, especially if a government is doing wrong. This can cause confusion about when it is right to follow authority and when it is better to oppose it.
Paradox #3
Romans 13:1 has been seen as potentially contradicting or conflicting with historical contexts where rulers or governments are oppressive or unjust. The verse suggests that all authority is established by God, which can be difficult to reconcile with the actions of tyrannical leaders or governments over history. This raises questions about the moral obligation to obey such authorities and how to balance this with other biblical teachings about justice and protecting the vulnerable.
Paradox #4
Some people might see a conflict between the idea that all authority is established by a higher power and scientific principles that support democratic governance or the separation of church and state. Science values evidence, reason, and human rights, which might clash with blindly accepting all authorities as legitimate without questioning their actions or the systems that put them in power.
Paradox #5
Some people see a moral conflict in this verse because it suggests that all governing authorities are established by God, which raises questions when those authorities are corrupt or unjust. It can seem contradictory to other biblical teachings that encourage standing up against injustice and wrongdoing.