Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 8:36

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 8:36 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 8:36. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, this verse shows that the man wanted to get baptized right away because he believed in Jesus. It teaches that anyone who believes can choose to be baptized.

Acts 8:36: And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

Contradiction with Matthew 28:19

Acts 8:36 mentions immediate baptism upon belief, while Matthew 28:19 emphasizes baptizing in the context of a command with instructions on teaching.

Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [teach...: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations]

Contradiction with Mark 16:16

Acts 8:36 implies baptism immediately after belief, whereas Mark 16:16 suggests belief and baptism together lead to salvation but does not emphasize immediacy.

Mark 16:16: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Contradiction with John 3:5

Acts 8:36 highlights the act of baptism quickly following belief, while John 3:5 indicates being "born of water and of the Spirit" without a direct link to immediacy after belief.

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 10:47-48

Acts 8:36 suggests baptism directly after belief, but Acts 10:47-48 presents baptism after receiving the Holy Spirit, suggesting a different sequence.

Acts 10:47-48: Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:17

Acts 8:36 portrays baptism as pivotal after believing, whereas 1 Corinthians 1:17 reflects Paul's view that preaching the gospel, not baptism, is primary.

1 Corinthians 1:17: For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. [words: or, speech]

Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:21

Acts 8:36 focuses on baptism as an act following belief, yet 1 Peter 3:21 presents it as symbolic, an answer of a good conscience rather than a necessary immediate act following faith.

1 Peter 3:21: The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
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