Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 8:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 8:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 8:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, Saul was causing a lot of trouble for the Christians by going into their homes and taking them to jail. This made life very hard and scary for the followers of Jesus.

Acts 8:3: As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed [them] to prison.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Acts 8:3 describes Saul persecuting the church, whereas Matthew 5:44 teaches to love and do good to enemies, which contradicts the act of persecution.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Matthew 7:12

This verse advises to treat others as you would like to be treated, contrasting with Saul's harmful actions in Acts 8:3.

Matthew 7:12: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Contradiction with Ephesians 4:32

Encourages kindness and forgiveness, which contradicts the persecution Saul is involved in.

Ephesians 4:32: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Contradiction with 1 John 4:20

Indicates that one cannot love God and hate a brother, contradicting Saul's actions against the church.

1 John 4:20: If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

Contradiction with Romans 13:10

States that love works no ill to a neighbor, contrasting with the persecution mentioned in Acts 8:3.

Romans 13:10: Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law.

Paradox #1

The contradiction in Acts 8:3 could be seen in the idea of promoting peace and love, yet also describing actions of persecution and harm. This could seem inconsistent with the overall message of kindness and forgiveness.

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