Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 13:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 13:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 13:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, the author of the book, God’s Spirit helped and guided the two friends, Barnabas and Saul, to start a special journey to share God’s love with people in faraway places like Seleucia and Cyprus. They believed God was with them every step of the way.

Acts 13:4: So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

Contradiction with Galatians 1:1

This verse states that Paul was an apostle "not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ," suggesting a direct divine appointment rather than being sent forth by the Holy Ghost through men as in Acts 13:4.

Galatians 1:1: Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Contradiction with John 16:7

This verse indicates the Holy Ghost comes only after Jesus departs, hinting that the sending work described in Acts 13:4 could only occur post-ascension, while implying a broader divine timeline that contradicts specific missionary actions.

John 16:7: Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Contradiction with Romans 15:20

Paul claims he strived to preach where Christ was not known, contrasting with the deliberate sending forth in Acts 13:4 which starts a mission possibly to known or familiar territories.

Romans 15:20: Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

Contradiction with Matthew 10:5-6

Jesus explicitly instructs the apostles to avoid Gentile regions initially, contradicting the mission to Gentiles that starts from Antioch as organized in Acts 13:4.

Matthew 10:5-6: 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:
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