Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 1:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 1:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 1:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, they needed to choose someone who had been with Jesus and His friends the whole time, from the beginning, so they could help tell others about Jesus. It was important to pick someone who saw everything that happened with Jesus.

Acts 1:21: Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Contradiction with Matthew 9:9

Acts 1:21 emphasizes choosing a witness from among those who accompanied Jesus from John's baptism, while Matthew 9:9 shows that Jesus called individuals like Matthew later in His ministry.

Matthew 9:9: And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Contradiction with John 6:66-67

Acts 1:21 requires continuity from John's baptism, but John 6:66-67 shows even many disciples left Jesus at one point.

John 6:66-67: From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:8

Acts 1:21 requires being with Jesus from the baptism of John, while Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:8 claims apostleship despite not witnessing Jesus’ ministry firsthand from that time.

1 Corinthians 15:8: And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. [one...: or, an abortive]

Contradiction with John 1:35-37

Acts 1:21 sets a specific timeline for witnessing, while John 1:35-37 describes different individuals independently following Jesus without being formally chosen.

John 1:35-37: Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

Contradiction with Luke 23:49

Acts 1:21 expects consistent following, but Luke 23:49 describes how many acquaintances and women followers of Jesus viewed events from a distance, possibly implying sporadic following.

Luke 23:49: And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
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