Contradiction with Isaiah 1:13
This verse condemns offerings and incense associated with false divinities, aligning with Acts 7:43 rather than contradicting it.
Isaiah 1:13: Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting. [iniquity: or, grief]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:9-10
These verses question the sincerity of worshipping God while committing idolatry, which is a concept reinforced rather than contradicted by Acts 7:43.
Jeremiah 7:9-10: Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;
Contradiction with Amos 5:25-26
Acts 7:43 directly references this passage, where God speaks through Amos about Israel's idolatry, so it does not provide a contradiction but rather a precedent.
Amos 5:25-26: Have ye offered unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel?
Contradiction with 2 Kings 17:10-12
These verses highlight the Israelites' idolatry and God's response, mirroring the theme in Acts 7:43 rather than contradicting it.
2 Kings 17:10-12: And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree: [images: Heb. statues]
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction with Acts 7:43 might relate to how it refers to Israel's idolatry, mentioning specific idols worshipped in the wilderness. This could conflict with accounts in the Old Testament that emphasize exclusive worship of God and might not explicitly mention these particular idols. Different parts of the Bible sometimes highlight various aspects of Israel's disobedience, which might seem inconsistent when comparing specific details or emphases.
Paradox #2
Acts 7:43 refers to the Israelites' worship of other gods during their time in the wilderness. A potential contradiction is that this passage references the gods Moloch and Rephan, which some scholars believe are not directly connected to the events of the wilderness as described in the earlier books of the Bible. This could be seen as inconsistent with the timeline or the accounts given in other parts of the Bible.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Acts 7:43 could be seen as the difference between worshiping God and falling into idolatry. It highlights the inconsistency in people's actions, choosing idols over staying true to God. This conflict questions their loyalty and whether they truly follow their spiritual beliefs or get easily swayed by false practices.