Contradiction with Acts 5:29
This verse contradicts Romans 13:4 by emphasizing obedience to God over rulership, suggesting that divine authority can supersede earthly governance.
Acts 5:29: Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Contradiction with Hosea 8:4
This verse implies that governments can be established without God's consent, which contradicts the idea in Romans 13:4 that rulers are God's ministers.
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 Revelations 13:7
While Romans 13:4 identifies the ruler as God's servant, this verse portrays them as having authority to oppress the saints, suggesting that not all authority comes from God or serves God’s purpose.
Contradiction with Isaiah 10:1
This verse speaks against unrighteous decrees and abuse by authority figures, contradicting the notion in Romans 13:4 that rulers are intended to be agents of good.
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]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:18
This verse depicts a scenario where the people cry out against a king they chose, implying that a ruler can act contrary to what Romans 13:4 describes as God's minister for good.
1 Samuel 8:18: And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
Paradox #1
Romans 13:4 may seem to contradict the teachings of Jesus about loving enemies and turning the other cheek. While Romans talks about authorities being God's servants to punish wrongdoers, Jesus often taught forgiveness and non-violence. This could seem inconsistent to some, as it presents two different approaches to dealing with wrongdoing.
Paradox #2
Romans 13:4 could seem to contradict the idea of non-violence and loving one's enemies, as taught in Jesus' teachings, like in the Sermon on the Mount. While Romans 13:4 talks about authorities as God's servants to execute wrath on wrongdoers, Jesus often emphasizes forgiveness, mercy, and love without mention of physical punishment. This might appear inconsistent to some readers.
Paradox #3
Romans 13:4 could be seen as conflicting with instances in history where government authorities were oppressive or unjust. Some people might find it contradictory because the verse suggests that authorities are God's servants for good. Yet, there have been many situations where governments acted in ways that did not seem just or good, leading to debates about the role and moral responsibility of governing powers.
Paradox #4
One potential contradiction with Romans 13:4 is that it suggests authorities have the right to punish wrongdoers, including using force. This can conflict with the teachings of love, forgiveness, and non-violence found elsewhere in the Bible, such as the teachings of Jesus about turning the other cheek and loving your enemies. This creates tension between obeying authority and adhering to principles of compassion and peace.