Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 22:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 22:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 22:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, this verse shows that before knowing Jesus, Paul was okay with hurting Christians and even helped those who hurt a man named Stephen for believing in Jesus. Later, Paul changed and became a follower of Jesus too.

Acts 22:20: And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

While Acts 22:20 narrates participation in an act of persecution, Matthew 5:44 advocates loving enemies and praying for those who persecute you, contradicting the notion of consenting to persecution.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

Acts 22:20 shows consent to vengeance while Romans 12:19 advises against seeking vengeance, instructing to leave it to God’s wrath.

Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Contradiction with Romans 12:21

Acts 22:20 is about being complicit in evil, whereas Romans 12:21 advises overcoming evil with good.

Romans 12:21: Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Contradiction with Exodus 23:7

Acts 22:20 involves the death of an innocent, but Exodus 23:7 commands keeping far from false matter and not killing the innocent.

Exodus 23:7: Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

Contradiction with Proverbs 17:15

Acts 22:20 depicts approving a wrongful act, while Proverbs 17:15 condemns justifying the wicked.

Proverbs 17:15: He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.

Paradox #1

The moral conflict in Acts 22:20 could arise from the tension between past actions and present beliefs. The verse describes a time when Paul was involved in persecuting Christians, contrasting with his later role as a Christian apostle. This may highlight issues of moral change, forgiveness, or the struggle to reconcile a person’s past wrongdoings with their current identity and convictions.

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