Contradiction with Matthew 24:36
This verse states that no one knows the day or hour of the Lord's return, contrasting with the disciples' question about restoring the kingdom, suggesting uncertainty rather than a clear timeline.
Matthew 24:36: But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Contradiction with Mark 13:32
Echoes Matthew 24:36, emphasizing that even the Son doesn't know the timing, contradicting the implication that the earthly kingdom's restoration could be known or predicted.
Mark 13:32: But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Contradiction with Luke 17:20-21
Suggests that the kingdom of God is not observable in a way that aligns with the disciples' anticipation of a physical restoration, but is rather among or within individuals.
Luke 17:20-21: And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: [with...: or, with outward shew]
Contradiction with John 18:36
Jesus indicates his kingdom is not of this world, contrasting with the disciples' expectation of a worldly, political restoration of the kingdom to Israel.
John 18:36: Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2
Emphasizes unpredictability regarding the Lord's return, differing from the idea of a tangible timeline or understanding of the kingdom's restoration.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-2: But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:8-9
Highlights God's timing as different from human expectations, suggesting the delay or timing of events is not in line with human plans, unlike the anticipation in Acts 1:6.
2 Peter 3:8-9: But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Contradiction with Revelation 1:7
Describes Christ's return with final judgment rather than a restoration specific to Israel, contrasting with the disciples' focus on national restoration.
Revelation 1:7: Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Paradox #1
Acts 1:6 might seem to present a theological inconsistency because the disciples ask Jesus if He is going to restore the kingdom to Israel at that time. This can be seen as a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' mission. The disciples expected a political or earthly kingdom, while Jesus was focused on a spiritual kingdom. This reflects a potential misconception about the role of the Messiah and the timing and nature of God's kingdom, which is later clarified in the New Testament.
Paradox #2
One possible conflict is the disciples' expectation that Jesus would restore the kingdom to Israel at that time, reflecting a commonly held Jewish expectation of a political messiah. However, Jesus' mission was spiritual rather than political, which might not align with their immediate expectations.