Contradiction with 1 John 3:16
While Romans 9:3 expresses a wish of being accursed for the sake of others, 1 John 3:16 emphasizes that Christians should lay down their lives for others, showing the active expression of love rather than a wish.
1 John 3:16: Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:14
Romans 9:3 speaks about wishing oneself accursed, whereas Galatians 5:14 sums up the law as loving one's neighbor as oneself, focusing on positive action rather than a wish of self-sacrifice through a curse.
Galatians 5:14: For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Romans 9:3 discusses wishing to be accursed for sake of brethren, whereas Matthew 5:44 instructs to love and pray for even enemies, not wishing oneself to be cursed.
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 1 Corinthians 13:3
While Romans 9:3 expresses a willingness to be cursed, 1 Corinthians 13:3 emphasizes that even if one sacrifices themselves but lacks love, it profits nothing, shifting focus to love as the primary motivator.
1 Corinthians 13:3: And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Contradiction with Philippians 2:3-4
Romans 9:3 focuses on a personal wish related to others' salvation, whereas Philippians 2:3-4 emphasizes humility and valuing others above oneself, advocating practical love and selflessness.
Philippians 2:3-4: [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Paradox #1
Romans 9:3 could be seen as conflicting with the idea that personal salvation through faith is the most important thing. The verse expresses a wish for self-sacrifice for others' salvation, which might seem inconsistent with the focus on individual faith and salvation emphasized in other parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
Some people point out that in Romans 9:3, there's a contradiction involving Paul's feelings towards his own people because elsewhere in his writings, he emphasizes individual responsibility and faith in Christ as crucial for salvation. However, in this verse, he expresses a deep, sacrificial love for his people, wishing he could be separated from Christ for their sake. This tension can seem inconsistent with his overall preaching about personal faith.
Paradox #3
Romans 9:3 involves Paul's expression of deep sorrow for his fellow Israelites and willingness to be separated from Christ for their sake. The contradiction or conflict might arise from the idea of self-sacrifice to the extent of being separated from Christ, which some might see as inconsistent with the belief that one's relationship with Christ should be paramount and unconditional. This can be seen as conflicting with the idea of personal salvation being of ultimate importance.