Contradiction with Romans 14:14
Romans 14:14 suggests that nothing is unclean in itself, contradicting Acts 15:20 which advises abstinence from things polluted by idols and blood.
Romans 14:14: I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean. [unclean: Gr. common]
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 4:4-5
1 Timothy 4:4-5 states that every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if received with thanksgiving, contradicting the dietary restrictions implied in Acts 15:20.
1 Timothy 4:4-5: For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
Contradiction with Mark 7:18-19
Mark 7:18-19 implies that nothing that enters from outside can defile a person, contradicting Acts 15:20's instruction to abstain from meats offered to idols.
Mark 7:18-19: Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
Contradiction with Matthew 15:11
Matthew 15:11 claims it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, contradicting the dietary implications in Acts 15:20.
Matthew 15:11: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Contradiction with Colossians 2:16
Colossians 2:16 advises against letting anyone judge you in food or drink, contradicting the food restrictions outlined in Acts 15:20.
Colossians 2:16: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: [in meat...: or, for eating and drinking] [respect: or, part]
Paradox #1
The verse in question is sometimes seen as potentially conflicting with earlier parts of the Bible where such dietary laws were not required for Gentiles. This can raise questions about whether new believers need to follow certain old laws or not, which seems inconsistent with earlier teachings given to Gentiles.
Paradox #2
One potential contradiction regarding Acts 15:20 is the apparent inconsistency between James's decision to impose only a few restrictions on Gentile converts and other parts of the New Testament that discuss the observance of Jewish laws. While Acts 15 describes an agreement that Gentile Christians don't need to fully adhere to the Jewish law, some later writings, especially those of Paul, seem to suggest a more complex relationship between faith and law. This can lead to confusion about how early Christians understood the role of Jewish law for Gentile believers.
Paradox #3
Acts 15:20 could be seen as inconsistent because it asks believers to abstain from certain practices, which may seem in conflict with the idea that faith alone is what maintains one's spiritual standing. Some might feel that imposing specific rules contradicts the belief that faith, not works or specific behaviors, is what determines one's relationship with God.