Contradiction with Matthew 7:15
Acts 16:17 portrays a spirit acknowledging the truth, while Matthew 7:15 warns against false prophets appearing truthful but being deceitful.
Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Contradiction with 1 John 4:1
Acts 16:17 has a spirit proclaim truth about Paul, yet 1 John 4:1 instructs to test spirits because not all are from God.
1 John 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 11:14
Acts 16:17 shows a spirit revealing God's servants, but 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns that even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:14: And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Contradiction with James 2:19
Acts 16:17 depicts a spirit that confesses true faith, whereas James 2:19 indicates that even demons believe and shudder, suggesting belief alone isn't enough for genuine faith.
James 2:19: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Paradox #1
Acts 16:17 describes a situation where a female slave with a spirit of divination in the book of Acts recognizes Paul and his companions as servants of God. Theologically, some see a contradiction because an unclean spirit acknowledges the truth about God's servants. This raises questions about how and why an evil spirit would proclaim this truth. Some might question why the spirit, typically associated with deception, would align with God's message, creating a potential inconsistency in understanding how evil spirits operate.
Paradox #2
Acts 16:17 mentions a girl with a spirit of divination, proclaiming Paul and his companions as servants of God. A potential contradiction or inconsistency arises from the practice of divination itself. In the Hebrew Bible, divination is generally condemned (e.g., in Deuteronomy), yet here it seems acknowledged without immediate moral condemnation. This could appear inconsistent with earlier prohibitions against such practices.
Paradox #3
Acts 16:17 describes a situation where a girl with a spirit declares that Paul and his companions are "servants of the Most High God." The potential contradiction or conflict here could be that even though the message she gives is true, it comes from a spirit of divination, which is typically associated with practices opposed to the teachings of the Bible. This raises questions about the source of truth and whether it is acceptable or problematic for a good message to be delivered by a questionable source.