Acts 26:4 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Luke, Paul is saying that ever since he was a kid, everyone in Jerusalem who knew him can tell you about how he lived. He is explaining that people have seen him growing up and know his story.

Contradiction with Proverbs 27:2

Acts 26:4 mentions Paul speaking about his own manner of life, while Proverbs 27:2 advises letting another person praise you, not your own mouth.

Proverbs 27:2: Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Contradiction with Matthew 6:1

In Acts 26:4, Paul is talking about his past openly, whereas Matthew 6:1 warns against performing acts of righteousness to be seen by others.

Matthew 6:1: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. [alms: or, righteousness] [of your: or, with your]

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 10:18

Acts 26:4 involves Paul giving testimony about his own life, yet 2 Corinthians 10:18 states that the one who commends themselves is not approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 10:18: For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 9:24

Acts 26:4 features Paul recounting his past, while Jeremiah 9:24 emphasizes that one should boast only in understanding and knowing the Lord, not in their own past.

Jeremiah 9:24: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

Contradiction with Philippians 3:7

Acts 26:4 implies Paul reflecting on his former life, but Philippians 3:7 states that Paul regards whatever was gain to him in his past life as loss for Christ.

Philippians 3:7: But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Contradiction with Isaiah 64:6

Acts 26:4 involves Paul sharing his life history with others, whereas Isaiah 64:6 indicates all our righteous acts are like filthy rags and should not be boasted about.