Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 21:37

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 21:37 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 21:37. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, the author of the book, Paul surprised the chief captain by speaking in Greek, which showed that Paul was educated and could talk to different kinds of people. This helped Paul explain himself and share his message.

Acts 21:37: And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

Contradiction with Matthew 5:39

Contradicts Paul's act of addressing the captor by suggesting turning the other cheek, implying non-confrontation.

Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Contradiction with James 1:19

Suggests being slow to speak, while Acts 21:37 shows Paul speaking promptly.

James 1:19: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Contradiction with Proverbs 17:28

Advises remaining silent for perception of wisdom, opposing Paul's choice to speak.

Proverbs 17:28: Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: [and] he that shutteth his lips [is esteemed] a man of understanding.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:7

States a time to keep silence, implying that Paul's timing to speak may not align with wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 3:7: A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:4

Encourages a quiet spirit, while Paul's immediate interaction suggests otherwise.

1 Peter 3:4: But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Paradox #1

One potential historical inconsistency could be around the language spoken by Paul. In Acts 21:37, Paul speaks Greek to the Roman commander, which might seem unusual since he was a Jew from Tarsus, a city where Aramaic and Hebrew were commonly spoken languages. Some might find it inconsistent that he was fluent in Greek, although it's plausible given Tarsus's status as a cosmopolitan city in the Roman Empire.

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