Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
Acts 17:22 acknowledges the religiosity of the Athenians, while Exodus 20:3 commands the exclusive worship of God, contradicting the acceptance of other forms of worship.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9
Acts 17:22 notes the Athenians' acts of worship, whereas Isaiah 44:9 criticizes the making and worshipping of idols, highlighting a contradiction in the acknowledgment of diverse religious practices.
Isaiah 44:9: They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. [delectable: Heb. desirable]
Contradiction with Romans 1:22-23
Acts 17:22 observes the Athenians' devotion, but Romans 1:22-23 condemns exchanging God's glory for idols, contradicting the implication of acceptance of other gods.
Romans 1:22-23: Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 10:20
Acts 17:22 mentions the religious nature without immediate critique, yet 1 Corinthians 10:20 warns that sacrifices made to idols are in fact offered to devils, presenting a contradiction in the tone toward idol worship.
1 Corinthians 10:20: But I [say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 32:21
Acts 17:22 comments on the Athenians' religiosity without immediately condemning them, contrary to Deuteronomy 32:21, where God expresses anger over being provoked by idols.
Deuteronomy 32:21: They have moved me to jealousy with [that which is] not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with [those which are] not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
Paradox #1
Acts 17:22 may raise a contradiction or conflict regarding the practice of idolatry and the acknowledgment of diverse beliefs. Some might see a tension between respecting other cultures' religious practices and the Christian view that only one God should be worshiped. This could be seen as inconsistent with promoting inclusivity and acceptance of different faiths.