Contradiction with Matthew 7:15
Warns against false prophets, which aligns with Romans 16:18's caution against deceivers, but adds a different perspective on discernment.
Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Contradiction with 1 John 4:1
Encourages testing spirits to see if they are from God, in contrast to Romans 16:18 which speaks of deceitful people without reference to spiritual testing.
1 John 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Contradiction with James 1:26
States that if someone seems religious but does not bridle their tongue, their religion is vain, countering Romans 16:18's emphasis on deceitful speech by associating it with true faithlessness.
James 1:26: If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain.
Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5
Advises trusting in the Lord with all one's heart and not leaning on one's understanding, potentially contrasting with the need for discernment and awareness of deception in Romans 16:18.
Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Paradox #1
Romans 16:18 might be seen as having a contradiction when compared to the idea of universal love and acceptance. It talks about avoiding people who cause divisions or teach different doctrines, which could contrast with the broader message of loving and accepting everyone. This creates tension between staying true to one's beliefs and the challenge of excluding or judging others.