Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 12:9

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 12:9 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 12:9. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, the author of the book, Peter was being led by an angel and didn't realize it was real. He thought he was just having a dream or vision.

Acts 12:9: And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

Contradiction with Genesis 28:12

While Acts 12:9 involves a physical angelic escort, Genesis 28:12 describes angels traveling in a dream rather than interacting in reality.

Genesis 28:12: And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

Contradiction with Acts 1:9

In Acts 12:9, the individual is uncertain of reality believing it to be a vision, whereas in Acts 1:9, the event is described as a factual occurrence of Jesus ascending.

Acts 1:9: And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Contradiction with Luke 24:37

Acts 12:9 expresses a lack of fear or astonishment, whereas in Luke 24:37, the disciples are terrified and think they see a spirit.

Luke 24:37: But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

Contradiction with Exodus 3:2

In Acts 12:9, Peter doubts the reality of the angel; in Exodus 3:2, Moses doesn’t doubt the angelic appearance through the burning bush.

Exodus 3:2: And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush [was] not consumed.

Contradiction with 2 Kings 6:17

Acts 12:9 shows disbelief in an angelic presence, while in 2 Kings 6:17, Elisha's servant is able to see the angels when his eyes are opened.

2 Kings 6:17: And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Contradiction with John 20:14

In Acts 12:9, the encounter with the angel is not recognized as reality, whereas in John 20:14, Mary does not immediately recognize the risen Jesus but knows it's a significant encounter.

John 20:14: And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Contradiction with Numbers 22:31

Unlike in Acts 12:9 where the angelic encounter is doubted, in Numbers 22:31, Balaam's eyes are opened to see the angel.

Numbers 22:31: Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. [fell...: or, bowed himself]

Contradiction with Matthew 18:10

Acts 12:9 illustrates an angelic encounter perceived as unreal; Matthew 18:10 speaks to angels clearly and evidently present with believers.

Matthew 18:10: Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
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