Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
In Acts 26:9, Paul speaks about opposing Jesus' teachings, whereas Matthew 5:44 instructs to love and bless others, including enemies.
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 Luke 6:27
Acts 26:9 reflects Paul's earlier actions of persecution, contradicting Luke 6:27's directive to love and do good to enemies.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with 1 John 4:20
Paul admits to persecuting Christians in Acts 26:9, while 1 John 4:20 states that one cannot love God while hating others.
1 John 4:20: If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Contradiction with Romans 13:10
Acts 26:9 speaks about harm to Christians, which contradicts Romans 13:10's message that love does no harm to a neighbor.
Romans 13:10: Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:14
Acts 26:9 reveals Paul's past actions against Christians, conflicting with Galatians 5:14 that commands loving your neighbor as yourself.
Galatians 5:14: For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:12
Acts 26:9 shows Paul's persecution contradicting the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12 to treat others as you wish to be treated.
Matthew 7:12: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Paradox #1
Acts 26:9 could be seen as conflicting with the notion of immediate conversion or enlightenment. This verse highlights Paul's initial opposition to Jesus, showing that even someone significant in spreading Christianity initially misunderstood or rejected its message. This might seem contradictory to the idea that divine truth should be immediately recognizable. However, this conflict is often resolved by emphasizing the journey of understanding and transformation as part of faith.
Paradox #2
In the context of Acts 26:9, the potential moral conflict is that someone might believe they're doing the right thing by opposing something or someone, but later realize they were wrong. It's about the struggle between one's past beliefs and their new understanding, which can lead to internal conflict and regret.