Contradiction with Acts 3:6
Peter gives healing in the name of Jesus, showing spiritual gifts aren't for sale, contradicting Simon's attempt to buy the gift.
Acts 3:6: Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Contradiction with Matthew 10:8
Jesus instructs His disciples to freely give as they have freely received, contradicting the notion of purchasing spiritual power.
Matthew 10:8: Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:1
Invitation to freely receive spiritual gifts without money, contradicting Simon's offer to buy the power.
Isaiah 55:1: Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 2:12
Emphasizes receiving God's Spirit freely, not through purchase, opposing Simon's proposal.
1 Corinthians 2:12: Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Contradiction with Ephesians 2:8
Salvation and spiritual gifts are received by grace, not transactions, opposing the idea of buying such gifts.
Ephesians 2:8: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
Paradox #1
Acts 8:18 is about Simon the Sorcerer offering money to receive the power to give the Holy Spirit to others. This could contradict the principle that spiritual gifts and blessings cannot be purchased or earned through human means; they are given freely by God's grace. This situation highlights the inconsistency in trying to equate spiritual power with material wealth or influence.
Paradox #2
Acts 8:18 discusses a situation related to the acquisition of spiritual gifts. A potential doctrinal conflict arises regarding the nature of spiritual gifts and whether they can be bought or earned, which contradicts the belief that such gifts are freely given by God's grace.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Acts 8:18 could be seen as the conflict between spiritual gifts being given by God and the idea of trying to buy those gifts with money. It highlights a tension between faith and materialism, suggesting that spiritual matters cannot be acquired through financial means.