Contradiction with Proverbs 4:7
This verse emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, contrasting with Acts 28:26, which describes people who will "hear and shall not understand."
Proverbs 4:7: Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Contradiction with James 1:5
This verse assures that God gives wisdom to those who ask, while Acts 28:26 speaks of people who are unable to understand.
James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Contradiction with Proverbs 2:6
It declares that the Lord gives wisdom and understanding, in contrast to the inability to understand as described in Acts 28:26.
Proverbs 2:6: For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.
Contradiction with Matthew 13:16
This verse blesses those whose eyes and ears are able to see and hear, opposing the notion in Acts 28:26 of the people's inability to comprehend.
Matthew 13:16: But blessed [are] your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Contradiction with Proverbs 9:10
Highlights that understanding comes from knowing God, contradicting the lack of understanding described in Acts 28:26.
Proverbs 9:10: The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:7
Speaks about opening blind eyes, contradictory to Acts 28:26, which depicts a state of blindness to understanding.
Isaiah 42:7: To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
Contradiction with John 16:13
Refers to the Spirit guiding into all truth, contrasting with Acts 28:26's depiction of a lack of understanding.
John 16:13: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Contradiction with Hosea 4:6
This verse talks about being destroyed for lack of knowledge, implying the availability of knowledge and understanding, while Acts 28:26 portrays people who won't understand.
Hosea 4:6: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. [destroyed: Heb. cut off]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency related to this verse arises because it quotes a prophecy from the Old Testament (Isaiah 6:9-10). Some people suggest that the way this prophecy is used in Acts might not accurately reflect the original context. In Isaiah, the message was directed towards the Israelites of that time, while Acts applies it to the Jewish response to the teachings about Jesus. This shift in context can be seen as inconsistent to some readers.