Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 14:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 14:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 14:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, the author of the book, when Paul's friends gathered around him after he was hurt, he got up and went back to the city. The next day, he and his friend Barnabas traveled to another city called Derbe.

Acts 14:20: Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Contradiction with Matthew 27:5

Judas Iscariot, after betraying Jesus, went away and hanged himself, which contrasts with Paul's survival and return to the city after stoning and assumed death in Acts 14:20.

Matthew 27:5: And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 11:25

Paul recounts that he was stoned once, surviving such an ordeal contrasts with the narrative in Acts 14:20, which could imply resurrection or escape.

2 Corinthians 11:25: Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

Contradiction with John 11:44

Lazarus, who was dead, had to be called out by Jesus, a stark contrast to Paul simply rising and returning to the city under his own power.

John 11:44: And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Contradiction with Jonah 1:17

Jonah was swallowed by a great fish and kept for three days; unlike Paul in Acts 14:20, where he immediately rises up after being left for dead.

Jonah 1:17: Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. [belly: Heb. bowels]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 28:13-14

The witch of Endor sees spirits arising, which contrasts with Paul's physical recovery in Acts 14:20, emphasizing spiritual versus physical restoration.

1 Samuel 28:13-14: And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.

Contradiction with Luke 24:39

Jesus, after His resurrection, shows his wounds as evidence, while Acts 14:20 does not mention Paul showing any evidence of his injuries post-stoning.

Luke 24:39: Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

Contradiction with Daniel 6:22

Daniel is unharmed in the lions’ den through divine intervention, as opposed to Acts 14:20 where Paul's recovery isn't described as miraculous protection from harm.

Daniel 6:22: My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

Contradiction with Revelation 11:11

The two witnesses are explicitly resurrected after being dead for three and a half days, while Paul’s recovery is immediate and not described as resurrection.

Revelation 11:11: And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
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