Contradiction with Matthew 19:21
This verse emphasizes giving to the poor as an act of following Jesus, suggesting that holding back possessions, as Ananias did in Acts 5:4, contradicts direct selflessness.
Matthew 19:21: Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.
Contradiction with Luke 12:33
Encourages selling possessions and giving alms, contrasting with the idea in Acts 5:4 of holding back part of the price for oneself.
Luke 12:33: Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Contradiction with 1 John 3:17
Speaks against having worldly goods and seeing a brother in need but shutting up compassion, contradicting the act of keeping back part of the proceeds in Acts 5:4.
1 John 3:17: But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Contradiction with James 5:3
Warns against hoarding wealth, which contradicts Ananias' act of keeping some of the money for himself in Acts 5:4.
James 5:3: Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
Paradox #1
Acts 5:4 might bring up a theological discussion about the nature of private property and communal living in the early church. Some view it as possibly conflicting with the idea of personal ownership if seen in the context of the early Christians sharing everything in common. This could raise questions about whether Christians are required to give up all possessions, which can seem inconsistent with other Biblical teachings that allow for private property.
Paradox #2
Acts 5:4 could present a contradiction related to the concepts of communal sharing versus personal ownership. In the early Christian community, believers held all possessions in common, but this verse acknowledges individual property rights, which might seem inconsistent with the communal lifestyle promoted earlier in Acts. Some may see this as conflicting messages about the extent to which believers should share their possessions.
Paradox #3
The possible contradiction or inconsistency in Acts 5:4 could relate to differing interpretations about possessions and communal living among early Christians. Some argue there might be tension between the idea of voluntary communal sharing and the enforcement of giving all proceeds from sales to the community, hinting at inconsistencies in practice and belief in the early church.