Acts 10:21 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Luke, Peter went down to meet the men sent by Cornelius and asked them why they had come to see him. This shows that Peter was willing to listen and find out their reason for visiting.

Contradiction with Matthew 10:5

Jesus instructs the disciples not to go to the Gentiles, while in Acts 10:21, Peter goes to the Gentiles following God’s instruction.

Matthew 10:5: These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Contradiction with Galatians 2:12

Peter is described as withdrawing from Gentiles when certain men from James arrived, contrasting with his actions in Acts 10:21 where he goes willingly to meet them.

Galatians 2:12: For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

Contradiction with Matthew 15:24

Jesus states He was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, whereas Acts 10:21 leads to the inclusion of Gentiles, indicating a shift in mission focus.

Matthew 15:24: But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Contradiction with Acts 15:1

Some taught that circumcision according to Moses was necessary for salvation, potentially conflicting with Acts 10:21's implicit acceptance of Gentiles without adherence to such laws.

Acts 15:1: And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

Contradiction with Galatians 5:2

Paul asserts that embracing circumcision means Christ will not benefit them, contrasting with the opening up to uncircumcised Gentiles as seen starting from Acts 10:21.

Galatians 5:2: Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

Contradiction with Matthew 23:15

Illustrates conversion as creating individuals even more bound to legalism within Judaism, contrasting with Peter's actions in Acts 10:21 which led to more open inclusion of Gentiles.