Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Acts 12:3 describes Herod's actions to please the Jews by persecuting Christians, whereas Matthew 5:44 teaches to love enemies and pray for those who persecute.
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 John 4:8
While Acts 12:3 shows actions motivated by pleasing man, 1 John 4:8 emphasizes that God is love, suggesting motivations should align with love, not human approval.
1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Contradiction with Romans 12:18
Acts 12:3 reflects conflict and persecution, whereas Romans 12:18 urges believers to live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:18: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Contradiction with Proverbs 29:25
Acts 12:3 shows Herod acting to gain human approval, whereas Proverbs 29:25 warns that fearing man leads to a trap, advocating trust in the Lord.
Proverbs 29:25: The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. [safe: Heb. set on high]
Contradiction with Matthew 10:28
Contrasting with Herod's pursuit of pleasing people in Acts 12:3, Matthew 10:28 advises fearing God rather than those who can harm the body.
Matthew 10:28: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Contradiction with Galatians 1:10
Acts 12:3 depicts actions to please the crowd, while Galatians 1:10 declares that seeking to please men is incompatible with being a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10: For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Paradox #1
Acts 12:3 mentions that it was the festival during the days of Unleavened Bread. A potential historical conflict here is the reference to the festival timing. Some scholars argue about the exact timing and sequence of events described in the Acts around Jewish festivals, leading to debates about whether the described events align with historical accounts of Jewish customs and Roman practices of the time.