Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 8:38

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 8:38 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 8:38. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, both Philip and the man stopped the chariot and went into the water together, where Philip baptized the man. Christians often see this as showing the importance of baptism and listening to God.

Acts 8:38: And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Contradiction with John 3:5

Jesus states that being born of water and the Spirit is necessary for entering the kingdom of God, which suggests baptism is essential for salvation, conflicting with interpretations that Acts 8:38 implies only belief is needed.

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 1 Corinthians 1:17

Paul claims Christ did not send him to baptize but to preach the gospel, indicating baptism may not be as central as Acts 8:38 implies through the eunuch's immediate baptism.

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 Acts 10:44-48

Cornelius and his household receive the Holy Spirit before being baptized, suggesting the sequence in Acts 8:38 might not be necessary, where baptism follows belief right away.

Acts 10:44-48: While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
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