Contradiction with Matthew 23:37
This verse speaks of Jesus' lament over Jerusalem and his desire to gather the people, showing his care rather than an accusation against them for killing prophets.
Matthew 23:37: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!
Contradiction with Luke 11:47-48
These verses acknowledge the building of tombs for prophets by the ancestors, implying a recognition of prophets rather than a direct persecution.
Luke 11:47-48: Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.
Contradiction with John 4:44
This verse states that a prophet has no honor in his own country, focusing more on a lack of honor rather than specific acts of persecution or killing.
John 4:44: For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
Contradiction with Romans 11:3-4
Paul speaks of Elijah's proclamation about the Israelites killing prophets but also reassures that God preserved a faithful remnant, showing not all participated in such acts.
Romans 11:3-4: Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 19:14
Elijah states that the Israelites have killed prophets, but God reassures him that there are still faithful followers, suggesting a nuanced situation rather than a blanket accusation.
1 Kings 19:14: And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
Contradiction with Isaiah 30:10
This verse talks about people asking prophets to tell them pleasant things, indicating they wanted to hear from prophets, albeit for favorable messages, rather than outright killing them.
Isaiah 30:10: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
Paradox #1
Acts 7:52 could be seen as inconsistent because it accuses the ancestors of always persecuting prophets, which seems to generalize the behavior of all ancestors as persecutors, even though not all of them acted this way. This broad statement might not accurately represent the historical complexity of how prophets were treated over different times and contexts.
Paradox #2
Acts 7:52 discusses the persecution of prophets and foresees the betrayal and murder of the just one. A possible contradiction or conflict here is the idea of religious leaders, who are supposed to uphold moral and just values, being accused of harming those sent by God. This creates tension between the expected moral behavior of religious figures and their actions against divine messengers.