In the context of the Bible, the concept of contradicting often arises in discussions about the consistency and interpretation of Scripture, as well as in the behavior and teachings of individuals who oppose or challenge the message of the Gospel. The term "contradicting" can refer to both the act of opposing or disputing a statement and the presence of apparent inconsistencies within the biblical text.

Biblical Instances of Contradicting

1. Opposition to the Gospel: In the New Testament, the apostles frequently encountered individuals who contradicted their teachings. For example, in Acts 13:45, the Jewish leaders in Pisidian Antioch are described as contradicting Paul and Barnabas: "But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him" . This opposition was often motivated by jealousy, misunderstanding, or a desire to maintain religious or social power.

2. False Teachings: The early church faced challenges from false teachers who contradicted the apostolic doctrine. In 1 Timothy 6:3-4, Paul warns Timothy about those who teach false doctrines: "If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing" . Such contradictions to the truth were seen as dangerous to the faith community.

3. Apparent Scriptural Contradictions: Critics of the Bible often point to perceived contradictions within the text. However, from a conservative Christian perspective, these are typically understood as differences in perspective, context, or emphasis rather than true contradictions. For instance, variations in the Gospel accounts are seen as complementary rather than contradictory, each providing a unique perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Theological Implications

Theologically, contradicting the Word of God is viewed as a serious matter. Scripture is considered divinely inspired and authoritative, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness" . Therefore, contradicting Scripture is seen as opposing God's revealed truth.

Responses to Contradiction

1. Apologetics: Christians are encouraged to engage in apologetics, providing reasoned defenses of their faith to address contradictions and challenges. 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts believers to "always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you" .

2. Discernment and Correction: Believers are called to exercise discernment and correct those who contradict sound doctrine. Titus 1:9 instructs church leaders to "hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that by sound teaching he will be able to encourage others and refute those who contradict it" .

3. Unity in Diversity: While apparent contradictions may arise from diverse perspectives within the biblical text, conservative Christians emphasize the unity and coherence of Scripture as a whole. The belief is that the Holy Spirit guides believers in understanding and reconciling these differences.

In summary, the concept of contradicting in the Bible encompasses both the opposition to the Gospel message and the challenges of interpreting Scripture. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, these contradictions are addressed through apologetics, discernment, and a commitment to the authority and unity of the biblical text.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Contradict.483. antilego -- to speak against, hence to contradict, oppose
... from anti and lego Definition to speak against, hence to contradict, oppose NASB
Word Usage argumentative (1), contradict (1), contradicting (1), objected (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/483.htm - 8k

Acts xiii. 42
... of God." (v.44.) "But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy,
and contradicted the things spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxx acts xiii 42.htm

He Removes the Silent Objection of Heretics who Want to Recant the ...
... It is true: that your infancy did prevent you from contradicting, when if
you had been a man you would have died for contradicting. ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xi he removes the.htm

A Second Discouragement in Prayer Opposite to Perseverance, to Wit ...
... long endure that the soul, its companion, should remain in its proper exercise by
which it becomes as it were a stranger to the body, contradicting its motions ...
/.../chapter vi a second discouragement.htm

Psalm LV.
... head, and saying, "If Son of God He is, let Him come down from the Cross." [2020]
He was stretching forth His hands to a people unbelieving and contradicting. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lv.htm

Petilianus Said: "In the Third Place, Also...
... Let us consider those to be murderers of the prophets whom we find contradicting
the words of the prophets. What more learned definition could be given? ...
/.../chapter 14 31 petilianus.htm

In the Dead who were Raised by Christ we Possess the Highest Proof ...
... that this passage refers to the flesh strictly so called, and not to fleshly works,
as I have pointed out, so representing the apostle as contradicting himself ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiii in the dead who.htm

It is Said that on a Recent Occasion Where the Letters of ...
... Is the commentator to be held responsible for all these different interpretations,
and all these mutually contradicting opinions because he puts down the ...
/.../14 it is said that.htm

Rhodo and his Account of the Dissension of Marcion.
... with Tertullian's usual conduct towards heretics, and may be set aside as not having
the slightest foundation in fact, and as absolutely contradicting what we ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xiii rhodo and his account.htm

A Blow at Self-Righteousness
... The boast, I say, is in itself a sin; the moment that a man saith, "I have no sin,"
he commits a sin in the saying of it,"the sin of contradicting his Maker ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a blow at self-righteousness.htm

It is Somewhat the Same Argument which You Use against the Pope ...
... guilt of heresy. Beyond these three points you may charge me with anything
you like without openly contradicting yourself. From all ...
/.../24 it is somewhat the.htm

Contradicting (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Contradict. Multi-Version
Concordance Contradicting (2 Occurrences). Acts 13:45 But ...
/c/contradicting.htm - 7k

Zeal (45 Occurrences)
... Acts 13:45 and the Jews having seen the multitudes, were filled with zeal, and did
contradict the things spoken by Paul -- contradicting and speaking evil. ...
/z/zeal.htm - 21k

Uttered (60 Occurrences)
... 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spoke
against those things which were uttered by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming ...
/u/uttered.htm - 23k

Owners (19 Occurrences)
... Titus 2:9 Exhort slaves to be always obedient to their owners, and to give them
satisfaction in everything, not contradicting and not pilfering, (WEY). ...
/o/owners.htm - 12k

Well-pleasing (16 Occurrences)
... Titus 2:9 Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be
well-pleasing in all things; not contradicting; (WEB ASV YLT NAS). ...
/w/well-pleasing.htm - 11k

Injuriously (13 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Acts 13:45 But the Jews, seeing the crowds, were filled with envy, and
contradicted the things said by Paul, contradicting and speaking injuriously. ...
/i/injuriously.htm - 10k

Refractory (7 Occurrences)
... Titus 2:9 Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to
be well-pleasing in all things; not contradicting; (See RSV). ...
/r/refractory.htm - 9k

Pilfering (2 Occurrences)
... Titus 2:9 Exhort slaves to be always obedient to their owners, and to give them
satisfaction in everything, not contradicting and not pilfering, (WEY). ...
/p/pilfering.htm - 7k

Bondslaves (3 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Titus 2:9 Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and
to be well-pleasing in all things; not contradicting; (See NAS). ...
/b/bondslaves.htm - 7k

Blaspheming (9 Occurrences)
... 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake
against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming ...
/b/blaspheming.htm - 8k

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