Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8
God alone is glorified and does not share His glory with others, contradicting the idea that humans could be deities.
Isaiah 42:8: I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
The commandment to have no other gods besides Him contradicts the notion that men could be gods.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Psalm 82:6
Though it says "Ye are gods," it refers to judges and leaders, not literal deities as presumed in Acts 14:11.
Psalm 82:6: I have said, Ye [are] gods; and all of you [are] children of the most High.
Contradiction with John 10:34-36
Jesus refers back to Psalm 82 to argue against calling humans gods, suggesting a metaphorical meaning contrary to worship as deities.
John 10:34-36: Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 8:6
Asserts that there is only one God, the Father, which contradicts the notion of other gods.
1 Corinthians 8:6: But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him. [in: or, for]
Paradox #1
Acts 14:11 might raise questions about the nature of divinity and human perception of it. In this verse, the crowd mistakenly believes that Paul and Barnabas are gods in human form. This can conflict with the monotheistic belief central to Christianity, which teaches that there is only one true God and that He does not take human form casually or frequently. The confusion shows a misunderstanding of the divine nature and can be seen as inconsistent with the core teachings of Christianity about God’s uniqueness and transcendence.
Paradox #2
The moral conflict in Acts 14:11 could stem from the people's reaction to Paul and Barnabas performing miracles. They start treating them as gods, which contrasts with the biblical teaching that only the one true God should be worshipped. This reflects a misunderstanding of divine power and the importance of humility in acknowledging the true source of miracles.