The first type of paradox is a ‘theophany.’ These both occurred and were recorded many times in the Old Testament. In these the Lord did not become human but took upon Himself a form, or expressed a voice, that was readily apparent to humans who were made in God's image. The paradox is in how “the almighty” can become readily apparent (i.e revealed, manifested) to His human creatures, who can even interact with Him, who so exceedingly transcends them that He could make “ex nihilo” all of the universe and its living creatures on earth in less than a week.
There were theophanies to: Adam, Gen 3:8-21; Cain, Gen 4:6-15; Abram/Abraham, Gen 12:7-9; 17:1; 18:1-33; Hagar, Gen 16:7-13; Jacob, Gen 35:9; Moses, in the flaming bush, Exo 3:1-22, and at Sinai, Exo 19:16-24; 24:10; Nu 11:25; 12:5; Balaam, Numbers 22:22-35; Moses and Joshua, Deut 31:14-15; Joshua, Josh 5:13-15; Israel, Judg 2:1-5; Gideon, Jdg 6:11-24; Manoah and His Wife, Jdg 13:3-21; Solomon, 1 Kgs 3:5-15; 9:2-9; 11:9-13; 2 Chr 1:7-12; 7:12-22; Isaiah, Isa 6:1-5; and Ezekiel, Eze 1:5-28; 8:2; 10:21-22; Babylonians (the fourth Man in the fire), Dan 3:16-28; etc.
The Lord also appeared to people in visions [daytime or when awake at night] to reveal his plans for them or to unveil mysteries for the future. These occurred with: (Abram, Gen 15:1; Israel, Gen 46:2; others, Job 33:15; David, Psa 89:19; Daniel, Dan 2:19; Daniel’s man in linen, Dan 10–12; Zechariah’s man among the myrtle trees, Zech 1:7-17; Paul, Acts 9:3-7; Ananias, Acts 9:10; Paul, Acts 18:9; and John in Revelation. The Lord also appeared to people with dreams with Jacob in the ladder dream at Beth-el, Gen 28:11-19; 35:7; Abimelech, Gen 20:3; Laban the Syrian, Gen 31:24; Solomon at Gibeon, 1 Kgs 3:5; Joseph at home in Matt 1:20-21; and at Bethlehem in Matt 2:13; etc.
Theophanies could also include other visible encounters such as the fire and smoke on Mount Sinai, Exo 19:18; the descended cloud at the tent of meeting, Exo 33:9; 34:5; the pillar of cloud and fire in the wilderness, Exo 13:21-22, Num 14:14, Neh 9:12, 19; and the smoke filling Solomon's temple, 2Chr 5:13-14; 7:1-2 or visits by the angel of the Lord, Zech 3:1-2; 12:8.
Even more, theophanies may comprise auditory manifestations indicated by statements like “and the LORD said...” (144x), or “the LORD spake...” (25x), or “the angel of the Lord said” (10x), or “called” (2x), or by any voice from Him heard by God's prophets (Adam, Gen 3:8-24, Enoch, Jude 1:14; Noah, Gen 6:13-22; 7:1; 8:15-22; 9:1-17; Noah or Shem?, Gen 11:6-7; Abram, Gen 12:1-3; 12:7-9; Gen 12:7-9; 16:13; 17:1; 18:1-3; 28:11-19; 32:22-32, 28-30; Moses, Exo 19:20; 24:9-11; 33:18-34:8; Deut 31:15; Joshua, Josh 5:14; 6:11, 21-22; 13:3, 18-22; Job and friends, Job 38-41 chpts.; Elijah, 1Kgs 19:12; Isaiah, 2 Kgs 19:21; Isa 6:8; 16:13; etc.) [For a comprehensive list see: All the "prophets"]. These theophanies include the promised return of Jesus (John 14:3, 2 Thes 1:7-10; 1 Thes 4:14-18) when “every eye shall see Him”. ]
The second type of ‘theophany’ was the incarnation of Jesus recorded in the New Testament when He became fully human and conducted His ministry of salvation (John 1:1, 14-15, Matt 1:18, 21-23, Luke 1:35; 2:6-13, 1 John 1:1-4 and Heb 1:1-3). This long-term theophany of about 33 1/2 years would include Jesus' post-resurrection appearances as well. [See: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ]
Paradoxes from the Old and New Testaments of Holy Scripture
Divine capacity
Scripture
Human presentation
Scripture
invisible God
1Sam 3:21; Jn 6:46; 1Jn 4:12, 20; Col 1:15; 1Tim 1:17
revealed to men
Jn 1:18; 14:8-9
immense voice of God calls into existence all things, and shakes the mountains
Psa 33:8-9; Dt 4:12, 36; 5:24-25; 18:16; 2Sam 22:7-9; Psa 18:7, 13; 29:3-9; 68:8; 77:18; Joel 3:16; Heb 12:26; Eze 3:12; Rev 1:10
uses "a still small voice" (barely audible)
Gen 3:8; 1Kgs 19:11-13; Isa 30:21; 1Sam 3:10; 23:2, 4; 30:8;
the Word
Jn 1:14; 1Jn 1:1
became speechless newborn
Lk 2:7
measures dust of earth in His hands
Isaiah 40:12
presents Himself to man in human-size form
Dan 5:5; Lk 2:11; Jn 8:6; Php 2:7-8; 1Tim 2:5
upholds world by word of His power
Heb 1:3; Isa 26:4
became a infant child swaddled, laid in a manger
Lk 2:7, 12, 16
timeless God, created time-space-matter
Psa 40:28; 41:13; 90:2; 93:2; 106:48; 145:13; Isa 57:15; Jer 10:10
enters 24 hour cycle days and 365 day cycle years for more than thirty-three years
Mt 1:18; Lk 3:23
God dwells in heaven
Gen 24:3; Ex 20:11; Dt 4:39; 2Kgs 19:15; 2Chr 20:6; Psa 2:4; 11:4; 103:19; Jer 23:24; Mk 16:19; Acts 17:24
yet God in heaven hears a man's voice
Josh 10:12-14; Psa 18:6; 28:6; 130:2; 1Kgs 8:23-50; Neh 9:27-28; etc.
Sovereign, Most High God
Gen 14:19, 22; 17:1; Josh 3:11; Psa 95:1-3; Isa 45:18; Zech 6:5; Mk 5:7; Acts 10:36 [Rev 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 21:22]
fled human ruler into Egypt
Mt 2:13-15, 19-21
uncontainable
Isa 40:12
1) held in womb & bosom [Mary and Joseph ruled our Ruler]. 2) fastened to a cross
1) Lk 1:26-45; 2:7, 22; 11:27; 2:51. 2) Mt 27:35, 38, 58-60; Mk 15:25, 32
unchangeable
Mal 3:6
developed in womb, grew as a child, matured as a man, learned obedience
Lk 1:26-45; 2:7, 40; 3:23; Heb 5:8
unweariable / inexhaustible; the strength of Israel
Isa 40:28-29, 31; 1Sam 15:29; Psa 68:35; Isa 49:5; Joel 3:16
became tired and weary, rests at well
Jn 4:6; Mt 8:23-24; Mk 4:38; Lk 8:23.
unsearchable things of God
Job 5:8-9; Psa 145:3; 147:5; Isa 40:28; 45:15; Rom 11:33; 1Cor 2:9-10
Apostle Paul preached "the unsearchable riches of Christ"
contrast Eph 3:1-11; 1Cor 2:7; 1Tim 3:16; Rev 2:17
the unsleeping God / the all-seeing eye
Psa 121:4 / Dt 11:12; Psa 33:18; 2Chr 16:9; Psa 11:4; 34:15; Pro 15:3
1) sleeps in dark of night. 2) sleeps for rest
1) Mk 1:35. 2) Mt 8:23-24; Mk 4:38; Lk 8:23
director of stars
Gen 1:6; Psa 147:4; Isa 40:26
found by wise men as a mere child, | prayed beneath the stars
Mt 2:1-2, 11 | Mk 1:35
Creater / source of life /
maker of man
Gen 1:1; 2:7-8; Isa 45:18; Eph 3:9
1) became man growing in the womb, a male child born of a woman — honors both sexes equally. 2) a woman [descended from Eve who chose death in Gen 3] bears for us "the Life." Jn 1:4; 11:25; 14:6
1) Mt 2:1; Lk 2:6-12; Jn 4:2-3; 1Pet 4:1. 2) Jn 1:1; 1Jn 1:1-3; Eph 3:9; Col 1:16; Rev 4:11
owner of everything: earth, sun, moon, stars, and all creatures
Ex 19:5 Ps 50:10-11; Isa 45:12; Jer 27:5
became poor
2Cor 8:9; Mt 8:20; Lk 9:58
source of all food, plants / the bread of life
Gen 1:11-12, 29-30; 2:4-5, 8-9, 15-17; Psa 145:15-1; 147:9 / Job 12:10; Psa 145:15-16; Jn 6:33-35, 48, 51
1) nursed by His mother, grew from food of the earth and tree. 2) hung upon a tree made & given for food. 3) hungered
1) Lk 2:40; 11:27; Mt 9:11; 21:18-19; Mk 14:18; Lk 22:15; Jn 13:18. 2) Mt 27:35; Lk 23:33; Acts 5:30; 10:39; Gal 3:13. 3) Lk 4:2; Jn 4:6; Mt 21:18
light of life
Gen 1:2-4; Psa 36:9; Jn 1:4; 8:12
sleeps in dark of night
Mk 1:35
gives life and breath to all
Gen 2:7; Psa 90:2; 93:2; 106:48; 145:13, 16; Job 12:10; 33:4; Act 17:25; Jn 10:28
1)Yet dies that man might live. 2) put to death
1) Jn 3:16; 6:51; 1Th 5:10; 2Cor 5:15; 1Tim 2:6. 2) Mt 27:31; Jn 19:16-18, 23-24; Mk 15:24-25; Lk 23:32-33; 1Pet 3:18 [See:
The Death of Jesus Christ]
the God of truth
De 3:24; 1Sam 15:29; Psa 31:5; Isa 65:16; Mt 24:35; Mk 13:31; Lk 21:33; Jn 5:24; Heb 6:18; Jn 5:47; 8:43; 12:47-48; 14:10, 24; 15:20
accused of deception, not believed
Jn 5:47; 8:43; 12:47-48; 14:10; 15:20; Mt 9:3; 26:59-60, 64-65; Mk 2:7; 14:56-58, 64; Lk 5:21; 22:65, 69-71; Jn 8:45-46; 10:33, 36; 18:30
foundation, rock (of truth)
Dt 32:4; Psa 102:25; 104:5; Job 38:4; Isa 48:13; 51:13; Zech 12:1; Heb 1:10
rejected by man
Mt 21:42; Mk 12:10; Mk 8:31; Lk 7:30; 9:22; 17:25; 20:17; 1Pet 2:7
testimony of Israel, faithful witness
Ex 20:16; Dt 5:20; Jer 29:23; 42:5; Ps 22:3; 122:4; 50:7; 67:4; 98:9; 119:142, 144; Pro 8:16; Isa 11:4; Jn 3:33; 8:18, 40; 18:19-23, 37; Rev 1:5; 3:14; 11:18; 19:2
scorned, opposed, sought to destroy Him
Lk 2:34; Mt 9:24; 12:14; Mk 3:6; 5:40; Lk 6:7; 8:53; 20:19; 22:65; Mk 12:12
eternal judge / source of true justice / just God
Gen 18:25; Psa 58:11; 67:4; 96:13; 98:9; 145:13; Isa 11:4; Da 4:3, 34; Rev 16:7; 19:2
judged by sinful, unjust, mortal man: condemned for fulfilling the spirit of the Mosaic law, and claiming to be God
Mk 14:1, 55; Lk 22:2; Jn 5:18; 7:1; 14:11; Mt 26:4, 15, 59-66; 27:1-6; Rom 8:12; Mt 26:64; Mk 13:26; 14:62
praise of Israel, true God to worship
Jdg 5:3; 1Chr 16:4, 36; 2Chr 7:6; 20:19; 30:21; Psa 22:3; 71:22 106:48; 148:14; Gal 6:7-8
mocked, scorned, persecuted
Mt 9:24; 27:29, 31; Mk 5:40; 15:19-20, 26; Lk 8:53; 22:63; 23:11, 30, 36; Jn 5:16; 15:20; Rom 15:3; Heb 13:13; 1Pet 4:14
self-disciplined / constant virtuous character
Gen 18:15; Rom 2:4; 3:25; 2Chr 6:14; Lam 3:22; Ezra 3:11
scourged, whipped, beaten
Lk 22:63; Jn 19:1; Mt 27:26; Mk 15:15; 1Pet 2:23; 3:18
immortal, eternal life & health
Psa 36:9; 106:48; 145:13; Isa 57:15
wounded, bruised, died
Mt 27:35; Lk 23:33; Mk 15:19; Jn 19:18
water of life
Exo 17:1-7 cf. 1Cor 10:1-4; Isa 55:1; Eze 47:1-12; [Psa 42:2; 63:1-2; 143:6] Jn 4:14; Song 4:12; Rev 21:6; 22:1-6, 17
thirsted
Branch of Righteousness /
Branch (of the Lord) / Root (and the Offspring) of David / root, vine, & cluster of grapes
Jer 23:5; 33:15; / Isa 4:2; Zech 3:8; 6:12 / Rev 5:5; 22:16 / Jn 15:1, 5
son of a carpenter — crowned by thorns / put to death upon a tree
Mt 13:55; 27:9; Mk 6:3; 15:17; Jn 19:2, 5 / Acts 2:23; 7:52
sinless / perfection
Dt 32:4; Neh 9:33
1) Jesus came like sinful flesh (born human, to destroy sin in the flesh). 2) sojourned with sinful man. 3) not that the flesh is itself at fault but the sin that corrupts it
1) Ro 8:3; Php 2:7; He 2:14; 4:15; 1Pet 2:22-24; 4:1. 2) Jn 1:4; Rom 3:10, 23; 5:12. 3) Ro 7:13; Php 2:8; Rom 6:5-7; 2Cor 5:21; 1Jn 3:8; 1Pet 3:18
"walk in all His ways" [This requirement is impossible by fallen man yet required.]
Deut 10:12-13; 32:4; Isa 56:1; Jer 23:5; Eze 18:4-9; Eccl 12:13
"he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?" John 14:8-10
1Kgs 8:50; Job 1:5; Isa 41:26; 59:2; Jer 33:8; 50:7; Dan 9:11; Rom 3:10, 23; 5:12; 2Cor 3:12James 2:10
"to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God" [This requirement is impossible by fallen man yet required.]
Num 15:28; Micah 6:8
man is prone to sin, Psa 69:5; Eccl 7:20; Lam 3:42; Da 9:5, 9; Acts 7:39; but believers are upheld by Christ's redemption and Holy Spirit's indwelling, Jn 8:11; 1Jn 2:1; 3:9; 5:16; Rom 5:8
Isa 44:22; 1Cor 15:3; Rom 6:3-7, 18-22; 8:2; 1Pe 4:1
crippling, terrified fear of God
"all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel", "the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another"; Exo 19:15-18; 1Sam 12:18; Psa 89:7; Dan 5:6; 1Chr 16:25
changed into awesome, delightful fear, a proper fear, 1Chr 16:25; Psa 89:7; 96:4; 104:1; Isa 41:13-14; Dan 10:19
Mk 4:36-41; Mt 8:23-27; 28:2-6;
Man was made to serve God
Exo 3:12; 23:25; Deut 6:13; 10:12; 13:4; 28:47; Josh 24:24; Heb 12:28
yet God served man, Psa 112:1; 115:13
Mt 4:24; 12:15; 15:30; 20:28; Mk 10:45; Jn 13:1-5, 13-14; Acts 10:38; Heb 12:28
condemns mankind as wicked, corrupt, sinful
Gen 6:5, 11-12; 13:13; 1Sam 12:20, 25; 1Kgs 8:50; Psa 5:9; 7:11; 9:17; 14:1-3; 53:1-3; 78:17, 32; 82:6; 106:6; Jer 4:22; Dan 9:11; Mic 7:2; Rom 3:23; 5:12
Yet God takes upon himself human form to redeem man, Jn 1:1-3, 14; Lk 1:26-45; 2:7, 22; 11:27; Php 2:5-9; He 2:9-15. God gives us a new identity as His children, Jer 33:8; Mt 5:9; Ro 8:16; 9:8; Gal 3:26; Eph 2:13; 1Jn 5:2, but we still live inside of very broken, sinful human vessels
We will be His sons in heaven surrounding Him, 1Cor 6:3; Rev 2:25-28. Jesus is the Morning Star, a Messianic title, Rev 22:16; 3:20-21