Contradiction with Isaiah 29:10-12
These verses indicate that the people could not understand the vision because it was sealed, in contrast to Acts 13:27 where the lack of understanding of the scriptures is highlighted, not being sealed.
Isaiah 29:10-12: For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. [rulers: Heb. heads]
Contradiction with Matthew 13:13-15
Here, the people's lack of understanding is attributed to their hardened hearts and deliberate hearing and seeing blindness, differing from Acts 13:27 where it refers to ignorance despite hearing the scriptures read every Sabbath.
Matthew 13:13-15: Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Contradiction with John 5:39-40
These verses show that people were actively searching the scriptures, thinking they had eternal life in them, contradicting Acts 13:27 where they did not recognize Jesus despite the scriptures being read regularly.
John 5:39-40: Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Contradiction with Luke 24:44-45
Jesus explains that all things must be fulfilled which are written in the scriptures concerning Him, suggesting that understanding comes through Jesus' revelation, contrasting with Acts 13:27 where they did not recognize the fulfillment.
Luke 24:44-45: And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 3:14-16
This passage refers to a veil over their hearts that remains until they turn to Christ, opposing Acts 13:27 by framing the understanding issue as a spiritual rather than ignorance-based problem.
2 Corinthians 3:14-16: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which [vail] is done away in Christ.
Paradox #1
Acts 13:27 discusses the people in Jerusalem not recognizing Jesus as the Messiah and consequently fulfilling prophecies by condemning him. The historical inconsistency some might point out is the challenge in verifying whether specific prophecies were indeed considered messianic by all Jewish groups during that time, and whether all Jewish leaders were unaware of Jesus' significance, as the verse implies. This can lead to debate about the historical accuracy and interpretation of how these events unfolded.
Paradox #2
Acts 13:27 mentions how the people in Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize Jesus or understand the scriptures that were read every Sabbath. A possible contradiction or conflict could arise from the idea that religious leaders, who are expected to understand and teach scriptures, failed to recognize and accept Jesus. This raises questions about the reliability of authority figures in interpreting spiritual truths and the potential for misunderstanding or misapplying religious teachings.