Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 20:35

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 20:35 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 20:35. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, the author of the Book of Acts, this verse teaches that working hard to help others who are struggling is important, and it's a good thing to remember that Jesus said giving to others makes us happier than getting things for ourselves.

Acts 20:35: I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Contradiction with Luke 6:20

Luke 6:20 states "Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God," which suggests the poor are blessed, while Acts 20:35 states that it is more blessed to give than to receive, possibly implying having the means to give is blessed.

Luke 6:20: And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed [be ye] poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

Contradiction with Proverbs 11:24

Proverbs 11:24 says "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty," which emphasizes the idea of scattering and withholding, contrasting the idea of solely giving as blessed in Acts 20:35.

Proverbs 11:24: There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 5:13

Ecclesiastes 5:13 mentions "There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt," suggesting holding onto wealth can be harmful, contradictory to Acts 20:35's emphasis on giving as a blessing.

Ecclesiastes 5:13: There is a sore evil [which] I have seen under the sun, [namely], riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

Contradiction with Matthew 19:21

Matthew 19:21 tells of a man instructed to sell everything and give to the poor to have treasure in heaven, which contradicts Acts 20:35's notion of being more blessed to give, without listing more spiritual or eternal treasures as benefits directly associated with giving.

Matthew 19:21: Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.

Contradiction with James 2:5

James 2:5 says, "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" which highlights the spiritual wealth of the poor, implying blessing can exist in the state of receiving, not solely in giving as in Acts 20:35.

James 2:5: Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? [of the: or, of that]
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