Acts 6:15 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Luke, the man had a calm and beautiful face, like an angel, which made everyone feel curious and amazed. It was like he had a special light or peacefulness around him.

Contradiction with Exodus 34:29-35

This passage describes Moses' face shining after speaking with God, contrasting with the divine favor implied in Acts 6:15, suggesting a unique event rather than a general occurrence.

Exodus 34:29-35: And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 8:1

Suggests that wisdom changes one's appearance and makes a face shine, implying wisdom rather than divine witness, in contrast to the angelic presence in Acts 6:15.

Ecclesiastes 8:1: Who [is] as the wise [man]? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. [the boldness: Heb. the strength]

Contradiction with Isaiah 53:2-3

Describes a lack of beauty or majesty in appearance for the suffering servant, contrasting with Stephen's angelic appearance in Acts 6:15.

Isaiah 53:2-3: For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7

States that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances, which might contradict the emphasis on Stephen's outward angelic appearance in Acts 6:15.

1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 11:14

Describes Satan transforming into an angel of light, which contrasts with the divine and positive angelic likeness attributed to Stephen in Acts 6:15.

2 Corinthians 11:14: And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Contradiction with Hebrews 1:14

Refers to angels as ministering spirits, suggesting a role or action rather than simply an appearance, which might contrast with the focus on visible appearance in Acts 6:15.