Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 3:12

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 3:12 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 3:12. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

Divine Power or Human Agency: A Scriptural Paradox?

Learn how Acts 3:12 contradicts Isaiah 48:11, John 15:5, Philippians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 15:10 and Romans 7:18

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According to Luke, the author of the book, Peter is telling the people that they should not be surprised or think that he and John made a man walk by themselves. He wants everyone to know that it happened because of God's power, not their own.

Acts 3:12: And when Peter saw [it], he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Contradiction with Isaiah 48:11

This verse suggests that God acts for His own name's sake and will not share His glory with another, contrasting with Peter's reluctance to claim power or holiness in Acts 3:12.

Isaiah 48:11: For mine own sake, [even] for mine own sake, will I do [it]: for how should [my name] be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.

Contradiction with John 15:5

This verse states that apart from Jesus, you can do nothing, implying dependence on divine power, similar to how Acts 3:12 emphasizes God's power, yet highlighting human recognition of the need for divine strength.

John 15:5: I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [without me: or, severed from me]

Contradiction with Philippians 2:13

This suggests that God works in individuals to act out His will, whereas Acts 3:12 denies personal power, indicating the role of faith and divine intervention.

Philippians 2:13: For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:10

Paul expresses that he worked hard but it was due to God's grace, contrasting with Peter's outright denial of personal agency in Acts 3:12.

1 Corinthians 15:10: But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Contradiction with Romans 7:18

This verse talks about the lack of goodness in human flesh, contradicting any suggestion of human power or holiness in Acts 3:12.

Romans 7:18: For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.
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