Contradiction with Matthew 7:15
This verse warns to beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing, seemingly taking an opposing stance to the inevitability of deceivers arising from within, as mentioned in Acts 20:30.
Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Contradiction with 1 John 4:1
This verse instructs believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, advocating discernment and vigilance rather than assuming certainty of false teachings as indicated in Acts 20:30.
1 John 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Contradiction with Romans 16:17
This verse advises to mark and avoid those causing divisions and offenses, which can contrast with the internal emergence of misleading leaders described in Acts 20:30 by implying an external origin.
Romans 16:17: Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Contradiction with 2 Peter 2:1
This verse speaks of false prophets among the people, presenting a similar but externally-focused perspective compared to the internal focus of Acts 20:30.
2 Peter 2:1: But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Contradiction with Titus 3:10
This verse instructs to reject a divisive person after a warning, seemingly contradicting the notion of the unavoidable rise of such individuals from within depicted in Acts 20:30.
Titus 3:10: A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Paradox #1
Acts 20:30 might be seen as inconsistent or in conflict when considering the idea that church leaders are always guided by the Holy Spirit to lead with truth. The verse warns about people within the church distorting the truth and leading others astray. This could be seen as a contradiction if one assumes that church leadership is always protected from error. However, many interpretations hold that humans are fallible, so this warning serves as a reminder to remain vigilant.
Paradox #2
Acts 20:30 discusses the idea of individuals rising up from within to mislead or draw people away. A potential contradiction or conflict might arise from the challenge of interpreting who is truly misleading or false. Different groups might claim that others are the misleading ones, leading to disagreements or divisions. This can create inconsistency in understanding who holds the moral or truthful ground.