Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
While Acts 19:27 defends the honor of Artemis, Exodus 20:3 commands worship of no other gods except the Lord.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9
Acts 19:27 speaks of the greatness of Artemis, but Isaiah 44:9 states that those who make idols are worthless, contradicting the reverence given to Artemis.
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 Jeremiah 10:5
In Acts 19:27, Artemis is worshipped, yet Jeremiah 10:5 declares that idols cannot do evil or good, contrasting the power attributed to Artemis.
Jeremiah 10:5: They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.
Contradiction with Psalm 96:5
Acts 19:27 claims divine majesty for Artemis, contradicting Psalm 96:5 which states that all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
Psalm 96:5: For all the gods of the nations [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8
Acts 19:27 elevates Artemis' name, whereas Isaiah 42:8 asserts that God does not share His glory with another, nor his praise with graven images.
Isaiah 42:8: I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Paradox #1
The verse in question might present a contradiction in the sense of religious exclusivity versus religious pluralism. In some interpretations, the message of Christianity as found in the New Testament promotes the worship of one God and the rejection of other deities. However, Acts 19:27 reflects a concern for the status and reverence of other deities, which could be seen as conflicting with the monotheistic message that the Bible often emphasizes. This tension between acknowledging other gods versus underscoring worship of the one true God can be seen as an inconsistency for some readers.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in "Acts 19:27" relates to the mention of the goddess Artemis and the temple in Ephesus. Historical records and archaeological findings about the extent of Artemis worship and the influence of the temple may not fully align with the intense impact described in the text. Some historians question the scale of devotion or the immediate economic effect implied.