Contradiction with Exodus 20:4
This verse prohibits making idols or graven images, contradicting the idea of likening the Godhead to material objects as suggested in Acts 17:29.
Exodus 20:4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 4:28
This verse describes idols as the work of men's hands, which neither see, hear, eat, nor smell, contrasting with Acts 17:29’s assertion of divine nature beyond art and imagination.
Deuteronomy 4:28: And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.
Contradiction with Psalm 115:4-8
These verses describe idols as having no ability to help or communicate, contradicting any depiction of the Godhead as material and crafted like suggested in Acts 17:29.
Psalm 115:4-8: Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Contradiction with Isaiah 40:18
This verse questions to whom God can be likened, contradicting the notion that God can be represented by art and man's devices, as Acts 17:29 suggests.
Isaiah 40:18: To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9-20
These verses detail the futility and falsehood of idols, opposing the conception of representing the Godhead with earthly materials in Acts 17:29.
Isaiah 44:9-20: 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 Jeremiah 10:3-5
This passage describes customs of making idols as futile, in contradiction with Acts 17:29’s implication of depicting divine nature through material form.
Jeremiah 10:3-5: For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. [customs...: Heb. statutes, or, ordinances are vanity]
Contradiction with Habakkuk 2:18
This verse criticizes the maker of images for trusting in them, contrasting with Acts 17:29’s view of considering divine nature through art and imagination.
Habakkuk 2:18: What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? [maker of...: Heb. fashioner of his fashion]
Contradiction with Romans 1:23
This verse denounces the changing of God's glory into images like man and creatures, opposing the idea in Acts 17:29 of equating the Godhead to physical forms.
Romans 1:23: And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction in Acts 17:29 could be the depiction of God in connection to idols or physical objects. In traditional Christian theology, God is often seen as transcendent and not confined to any physical form or object. If this verse is interpreted as suggesting otherwise, it could conflict with these broader theological ideas.
Paradox #2
Acts 17:29 might raise questions about human-made images or idols compared to divine nature. Some could see a potential conflict with other parts of the Bible that discuss God's creation of man in His image or the commandment against making idols. However, rather than an inherent contradiction, it might reflect different contexts or purposes, such as the emphasis on spiritual over physical representations.
Paradox #3
The issue could be with the idea of humans being made in the image of God and then crafting physical objects or idols to represent God. Scientifically, the creation of idols from materials doesn't align with any evidence-based understanding of divinity or human origin, as it relies on faith and religious belief rather than empirical proof. However, this is more of a philosophical or theological matter rather than a strictly scientific one.
Paradox #4
The moral conflict in Acts 17:29 might arise from the idea of God not being represented by physical objects, yet many religious practices involve symbols and images to aid worship and remembrance. This could seem inconsistent with the verse's emphasis on not reducing the divine to material forms.