Contradiction with Matthew 10:8
This verse promotes giving freely without expecting anything in return, contrasting with Acts 24:26 where Felix hoped for a bribe.
Matthew 10:8: Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Contradiction with Proverbs 17:23
This verse condemns taking bribes, whereas Acts 24:26 describes Felix's expectation of a bribe.
Proverbs 17:23: A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:10
This verse warns against the love of money, contradicting Felix's desire for money in Acts 24:26.
1 Timothy 6:10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [erred: or, been seduced]
Contradiction with Exodus 23:8
This verse prohibits taking bribes, which contrasts with Felix's behavior in Acts 24:26.
Exodus 23:8: And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous. [the wise: Heb. the seeing]
Contradiction with Proverbs 15:27
This verse states that greed in taking bribes brings trouble, contrasting Felix's desire for a bribe in Acts 24:26.
Proverbs 15:27: He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Acts 24:26 could be seen in the idea of justice being influenced by personal gain. In the context, a leader was hoping for a bribe to be given in exchange for releasing someone. This can be viewed as a conflict between the expectation of fairness in legal matters and the reality of corruption and greed affecting decisions.