Contradiction with Jeremiah 14:14
This verse contradicts Acts 2:17 by warning against false prophets who claim to have divine visions, implying that not all who claim to prophesy are truly inspired by God.
Jeremiah 14:14: Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 13:6
This verse suggests that some people may falsely claim to have visions or prophecies, which contradicts the inclusive outpouring of the Spirit described in Acts 2:17.
Ezekiel 13:6: They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 14:33
This verse implies that God is not the author of confusion, which could contradict the potential for disorder if everyone were prophesying at once as suggested in Acts 2:17.
1 Corinthians 14:33: For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness]
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 4:1
This verse warns that some will follow deceiving spirits and false teachings, indicating a possibility of false prophecy and visions, contrasting with the genuine outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2:17.
1 Timothy 4:1: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Contradiction with 1 John 4:1
This verse advises testing the spirits to see if they are from God, implying that not all claimed prophecies and visions are truly from God as suggested by Acts 2:17.
1 John 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction between this verse and the idea that prophecy and direct communication from God ended with the apostles or soon after. This verse suggests that prophecy would continue, which conflicts with the belief held by some Christian groups that such gifts ceased after the early Christian era.
Paradox #2
The potential scientific conflict with the ideas in Acts 2:17 could stem from its depiction of visions and dreams as a way to receive divine messages. Scientifically, dreams and visions are understood through psychology and neuroscience as natural processes of the mind, without supernatural significance. This can conflict with how these experiences are perceived in the verse.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction in Acts 2:17 might arise from the idea that divine revelations through dreams and visions could challenge established authority or traditional beliefs. If people claim new insights from God, it might conflict with existing religious interpretations or structures. Thus, there can be tension between new revelations and established doctrines.