Contradiction with Acts 2:38
This verse indicates that receiving the Holy Spirit is linked with repentance and baptism, while Acts 8:17 suggests laying on of hands is needed.
Acts 2:38: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Contradiction with Ephesians 1:13-14
This verse suggests receiving the Holy Spirit upon belief, not mentioning the need for laying on of hands as in Acts 8:17.
Ephesians 1:13-14: In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Contradiction with John 3:5
Implies being born of water and Spirit is necessary, without mentioning the need for apostles' intervention as in Acts 8:17.
John 3:5: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Contradiction with Acts 10:44-46
Describes the Holy Spirit falling on Gentiles who heard the word, without laying on of hands, which differs from Acts 8:17.
Acts 10:44-46: While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 12:13
Suggests all believers are baptized by one Spirit into one body, not specifying laying on of hands as essential like Acts 8:17.
1 Corinthians 12:13: For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. [Gentiles: Gr. Greeks]
Paradox #1
Some people see a possible contradiction in Acts 8:17 regarding the necessity of the laying on of hands for receiving the Holy Spirit. Earlier in the book of Acts, people receive the Holy Spirit directly, without any human intervention, suggesting a direct action from God. This could be seen as inconsistent because in Acts 8:17, the Holy Spirit is received through the apostles' action, which might imply that human mediation is required. This discrepancy raises debate on how and when the Holy Spirit is received by believers.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency with Acts 8:17 could relate to the different practices and theology around receiving the Holy Spirit. In some accounts, people receive the Holy Spirit through baptism, while here it happens through the laying on of hands by apostles, suggesting a varied understanding of spiritual rituals in the early church, which may not have always been consistent across different Christian communities.