Paradoxes (Selection of Seed Thoughts)

grown persons being born again.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Paradox

Whosoever will lose his life will find it (Mt 10:39). The last shall be first, and the first last (Lk 13:30). Whoever would be greatest of all must be servant of all (Mk 10:43; Lk 22:26). Indeed, the servant ministry of Jesus himself underscores this great reversal of the kingdom.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Paradox

Even “God in flesh” is paradoxical, yet profoundly true.

2 Corinthians 6:9–10 KJV

9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

New Dictionary of Theology Paradox in Theology

Logical paradoxes have fascinated philosophers ever since Zeno the Stoic argued that, since distance is infinitely divisible and you must pass through each segment of it before reaching the next one, the hare can never overtake the tortoise. Or again: In affirming that I always lie, can I be telling the truth? (If yes, then no.) Techniques of philosophical analysis are needed to resolve paradoxes of this kind.

Nelson’s Topical Bible Index Paradox

Getting rich by poverty

Prov. 13:7

Dead burying the dead

Matt. 8:22

Finding life by losing it

Matt. 10:39

Not peace, but a sword

Matt. 10:34–38

Wise as serpents; harmless as doves

Matt. 10:16

Hating and loving

Luke 14:26

Becoming great by serving

Mark 10:43

Dying in order to live

John 12:24, 25

Becoming a fool to be wise

1 Cor. 3:18

David’s List of paradoxes

Suffering and Glory

Dying and fruit bearing

Death and resurrection

Strength and Weakness

Justice and mercy

Truth and love

Christ (God and man) is more of a mystery than a paradox, but is worth considering as a paradox