Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 21:24

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 21:24 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 21:24. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, Christians believe that Paul wanted to show everyone he followed the rules and loved God by doing what his friends were doing, like a special clean-up and haircut. This way, people would see that the things they heard about Paul not obeying the rules were not true.

Acts 21:24: Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave [their] heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but [that] thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

Contradiction with Galatians 2:16

Emphasizes justification by faith and not by the law, whereas Acts 21:24 involves adherence to the law.

Galatians 2:16: Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Contradiction with Romans 3:28

Declares that a person is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law, contrasting with the implication of observing the law in Acts 21:24.

Romans 3:28: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Contradiction with Ephesians 2:15

States that Christ abolished the law of commandments, which contradicts the adherence to the law as suggested in Acts 21:24.

Ephesians 2:15: Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace;

Contradiction with Colossians 2:14

Speaks about blotting out the handwriting of ordinances, contrasting with the observance of the law in Acts 21:24.

Colossians 2:14: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Contradiction with Hebrews 8:13

Declares the old covenant obsolete, in contrast to the adherence to Mosaic law implied in Acts 21:24.

Hebrews 8:13: In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away.

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in Acts 21:24 revolves around the practice of Jewish law and the teachings of Paul. Paul often preached that followers of Jesus were not bound by the old Jewish laws for salvation. However, in this verse, he participates in a Jewish purification ritual. This might seem inconsistent with his teachings about freedom from the law through faith in Jesus.

Paradox #2

Acts 21:24 might seem contradictory when compared to the teachings in Paul's letters, particularly in Galatians, where he argues against the necessity of following Jewish law for salvation. In Acts, Paul participates in a Jewish purification ritual, which could seem inconsistent with his stance on the law being unnecessary for Christians in other parts of the New Testament. This can be seen as a conflict between adhering to cultural practices and the belief in salvation through faith alone.

Paradox #3

The possible contradiction in Acts 21:24 might lie in the perception of adhering to Jewish law while promoting a message of faith that emphasizes freedom from law-based righteousness. This could be seen as inconsistent with the idea that faith in Jesus, rather than strict adherence to the law, is the basis of salvation. It's about balancing cultural traditions with new teachings.

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