Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 17:15

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 17:15 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 17:15. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, Paul was taken safely to a city called Athens by some friends. Paul then asked them to tell his other friends, Silas and Timothy, to come and join him quickly.

Acts 17:15: And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

Contradiction with Matthew 10:5-6

Jesus instructed the disciples not to go to the Gentiles, whereas Acts 17:15 involves traveling to Greece, a Gentile region.

Matthew 10:5-6: These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Contradiction with John 4:21

Jesus implied worship in a specific place was unnecessary, yet Acts 17:15 involves Paul preparing to debate at a specific location in Athens.

John 4:21: Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

Contradiction with Matthew 28:19

Jesus commanded the disciples to "teach all nations," which aligns rather than contradicts, but the delay described in Acts 17:15 could suggest hesitation.

Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [teach...: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations]

Contradiction with Acts 16:6-7

The Holy Spirit prevents preaching in certain regions, whereas in Acts 17:15, Paul is explicitly assisted and encouraged to travel to another region.

Acts 16:6-7: Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 11:26

Paul describes frequent dangers in travels, while Acts 17:15 seems to describe smooth travel.

2 Corinthians 11:26: [In] journeyings often, [in] perils of waters, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils by [mine own] countrymen, [in] perils by the heathen, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren;

Contradiction with Luke 24:49

Jesus instructs the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes, whereas in Acts 17:15, Paul is actively moving into new regions.

Luke 24:49: And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
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