Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:10-12
These verses condemn divination and sorcery, which contradicts the presence of a fortune-telling spirit in Acts 16:16.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12: There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Contradiction with Leviticus 19:31
This verse warns against seeking out those with familiar spirits, contrasting with the girl's use of a spirit of divination in Acts 16:16.
Leviticus 19:31: Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 28:7-8
King Saul seeks a woman with a familiar spirit, which is akin to the situation in Acts 16:16 where a spirit of divination is present, yet divination is a condemned practice.
1 Samuel 28:7-8: Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, [there is] a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
Contradiction with Isaiah 8:19
Advises against consulting mediums and spirits, conflicting with the acceptance of a spirit of divination in Acts 16:16.
Isaiah 8:19: And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
Paradox #1
In Acts 16:16, there might be a perceived contradiction regarding the use of divination, which is generally condemned in the Bible, yet here a slave girl with a spirit of divination tells the truth about Paul and his companions. The inconsistency lies in the fact that a spirit usually associated with false practices acknowledges the true servants of God.