Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse commands not to have any other gods, contradicting Acts 7:42 where God gave them up to worship the host of heaven.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Exodus 20:4
Prohibits the making of graven images for worship, conflicting with Acts 7:42 on idolatry.
Exodus 20:4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
Warns against following other gods, opposing the idolatry mentioned in Acts 7:42.
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Isaiah 42:8
Declares God will not share His glory with idols, opposing the allowance of idol worship in Acts 7:42.
Isaiah 42:8: I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 25:6
Commands not to follow other gods to serve them, contrasting with the actions God permitted in Acts 7:42.
Jeremiah 25:6: And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.
Contradiction with Psalm 81:9
Prohibits having any strange god, opposing the idolatry in Acts 7:42.
Psalm 81:9: There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 17:35
Prohibits worship of other gods, contradicting Acts 7:42 where Israel worshipped the host of heaven.
2 Kings 17:35: With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:
Contradiction with Hosea 13:4
Affirms that there is no savior but God, contradicting the worship of other deities in Acts 7:42.
Hosea 13:4: Yet I [am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for [there is] no saviour beside me.
Contradiction with Matthew 4:10
Commands worship of the Lord only, contrary to Acts 7:42 where worship is diverted to other entities.
Matthew 4:10: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Paradox #1
Acts 7:42 could be perceived as highlighting a contradiction related to the worship practices of the Israelites. It suggests that despite having the law and guidance of God, the Israelites turned to idolatry. This could conflict with the idea of them being God's chosen people who are expected to follow His commandments faithfully. Thus, the contradiction lies in the tension between being chosen and practicing idolatry.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency related to Acts 7:42 might stem from a potential difference in how certain events or actions are described in other parts of the Bible. This verse references the Israelites' idolatry during their time in the wilderness, which might not align perfectly with the accounts in other books, such as Exodus or Numbers, which also describe this period but may emphasize different aspects or details. Interpretations about who the Israelites really worshipped or the timeline of these events can sometimes lead to debate among scholars.
Paradox #3
Acts 7:42 could present a contradiction because it discusses God allowing people to worship false gods, which might seem inconsistent with the idea of a loving and protective deity. This can raise questions about why God would permit such actions that lead people away from true worship and potentially to negative consequences.