Contradiction with John 3:16
This verse speaks of God's love and promise of eternal life, contrasting the immediate punishment of death seen in Acts 5:5.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Contradiction with Exodus 34:6
Highlights God as merciful and gracious, contradicting the swift judgment seen in Acts 5:5.
Exodus 34:6: And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Contradiction with Psalm 103:8
Describes God as slow to anger, which contrasts with the swift judgment on Ananias in Acts 5:5.
Psalm 103:8: The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. [plentious...: Heb. great in mercy]
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:32
States that God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, contradicting the death that occurs in Acts 5:5.
Ezekiel 18:32: For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye. [yourselves: or, others]
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
Indicates God's patience and desire for all to repent rather than perish, opposing the direct consequence seen in Acts 5:5.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction in how God's punishment is portrayed. In Acts 5:5, Ananias is punished severely and immediately for lying. This can seem inconsistent with the theme of mercy and forgiveness shown elsewhere in the Bible, where people are often given chances to repent. It raises questions about how justice and mercy are balanced.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Acts 5:5 could be seen in how swift and harsh the punishment appears, which can seem inconsistent with themes of forgiveness and redemption emphasized elsewhere in the Bible. This might conflict with the idea of giving individuals the opportunity to repent or make amends.