Contradiction with James 2:19
This verse states that even the devils believe and tremble, indicating that mere belief is not sufficient for true faith, which can be seen as contradicting the notion in Acts 8:13 where Simon's belief is noted after witnessing miracles.
James 2:19: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:21
This verse suggests that not everyone who acknowledges the Lord will enter the kingdom, but only those who do the will of the Father, contrasting with Simon's outward belief in Acts 8:13.
Matthew 7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Contradiction with Matthew 13:20-21
These verses describe someone who hears the word and receives it with joy, then quickly falls away when trouble comes, highlighting a superficial belief, potentially similar to Simon's situation in Acts 8:13.
Matthew 13:20-21: But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Contradiction with John 2:23-24
Although many believed in Jesus' name after seeing miracles, Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, paralleling doubt in the sincerity of Simon's belief after witnessing miracles in Acts 8:13.
John 2:23-24: Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast [day], many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
Contradiction with 1 John 2:19
This verse indicates that those who leave the faith were never truly part of it, raising questions about the depth of Simon's conversion implied in Acts 8:13.
1 John 2:19: They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
Contradiction with Matthew 15:8
Refers to people who honor with lips but have distant hearts, which can be seen as contradicting Simon's outward profession of faith in Acts 8:13.
Matthew 15:8: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 8:1-2
Discusses knowledge puffing up without love and understanding, since Simon's belief in Acts 8:13 may lack depth and genuine repentance.
1 Corinthians 8:1-2: Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Contradiction with Isaiah 29:13
Describes people who draw near with their mouth but are far from God in their hearts, potentially paralleling Simon's external belief described in Acts 8:13.
Isaiah 29:13: Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Acts 8:13 could arise from the idea of someone outwardly accepting faith (like getting baptized) but later showing behavior that suggests they might not have genuinely understood or committed to that faith. This could reflect a conflict between appearance and true belief or intent.