Contradiction with Luke 12:15
Acts 4:32 promotes communal ownership and sharing, while Luke 12:15 warns against covetousness and emphasizes an individual's personal possession and contentment.
Luke 12:15: And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Contradiction with 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Acts 4:32 describes communal sharing based on need, whereas 2 Thessalonians 3:10 emphasizes that one must work to eat, suggesting individual responsibility.
2 Thessalonians 3:10: For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:17-18
Acts 4:32 encourages sharing all possessions equally, while 1 Timothy 6:17-18 focuses on the rich doing good with their wealth, implying personal ownership and responsibility.
1 Timothy 6:17-18: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; [uncertain...: Gr. uncertainty of riches]
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Acts 4:32 emphasizes communal living, but 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 encourages personal independence and working with one’s own hands, suggesting individual responsibility.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12: And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
Contradiction with Proverbs 13:11
Acts 4:32 highlights communal distribution, whereas Proverbs 13:11 highlights the value of diligent work and individual wealth growth.
Proverbs 13:11: Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. [by labour: Heb. with the hand]
Contradiction with Matthew 25:14-30
Acts 4:32 depicts collective sharing without reference to productivity, while Matthew 25:14-30 (the Parable of the Talents) emphasizes personal accountability and investment of resources.
Matthew 25:14-30: For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Paradox #1
One possible theological inconsistency with Acts 4:32 could relate to the concept of communal living and shared possessions among early Christians. Some might argue that this communal approach contradicts other biblical teachings that emphasize personal responsibility and private ownership. Additionally, it could appear inconsistent with the idea of individual generosity and voluntary giving, as communal living might seem to imply a more compulsory sharing of resources.
Paradox #2
Acts 4:32 describes early Christians sharing all their possessions and living in unity. A possible contradiction or conflict could be that this communal lifestyle might seem at odds with later interpretations of Christianity that emphasize individual wealth and private property. Some people might see a tension between this early practice and how many Christian communities function today, where personal ownership is valued.