Acts 21:21 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Luke, some people heard that Paul was telling Jewish people living with non-Jewish people to stop following Moses' rules. They were worried because they thought Paul was saying not to do important things like circumcision, which they had done for a long time.

Contradiction with Acts 15:19

This verse shows that Gentile believers were not to be troubled with circumcision, while Acts 21:21 suggests Jewish believers should not forsake circumcision for children.

Acts 15:19: Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

Contradiction with Galatians 5:2

Paul writes that if you accept circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing, contradicting the implication in Acts 21:21 that circumcision is being upheld.

Galatians 5:2: Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:18

Paul advises that each person should remain in the situation they were in when called, which contradicts urging Jewish believers to abandon their customs as alleged in Acts 21:21.

1 Corinthians 7:18: Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

Contradiction with Romans 3:30

This verse emphasizes God justifying both the circumcised and uncircumcised through faith, differing from the concern over Jewish customs in Acts 21:21.

Romans 3:30: Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Contradiction with Galatians 2:14

Paul confronts Peter for compelling Gentiles to live like Jews, indirectly contradicting any notion that Jewish law should be enforced as Acts 21:21 accuses Paul of doing.

Galatians 2:14: But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before [them] all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Contradiction with Colossians 2:11

Describes a spiritual circumcision made without hands, a principle that moves away from the physical practice Paul is accused of teaching against in Acts 21:21.

Colossians 2:11: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Paradox #1

Acts 21:21 is sometimes seen as inconsistent because it suggests that Paul taught Jews to abandon the Law of Moses, while other parts of the New Testament indicate that he continued to observe Jewish laws and customs. This creates a tension between his teachings and practices.