Contradictions and Paradoxes in Acts 8:9

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Acts 8:9 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Acts 8:9. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, Simon was a man who did magic tricks in a city and made the people think he was really special and powerful. Many people believed Simon because of his magic, but he wasn't as great as he said he was.

Acts 8:9: But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:27

While Acts 8:9 describes Simon boasting of his greatness, 1 Corinthians 1:27 states that God chooses the foolish and weak to shame the wise and strong, contradicting the value of self-exaltation.

1 Corinthians 1:27: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Contradiction with Proverbs 16:18

Acts 8:9 mentions Simon's self-proclaimed greatness, but Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride precedes destruction, highlighting the danger of boasting.

Proverbs 16:18: Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Contradiction with Matthew 23:12

Acts 8:9 presents Simon exalting himself, yet Matthew 23:12 teaches that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, contradicting Simon's self-promotion.

Matthew 23:12: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 9:23-24

Acts 8:9 shows Simon boasting in his abilities, whereas Jeremiah 9:23-24 advises against boasting in wisdom, might, or riches and emphasizes understanding and knowing God.

Jeremiah 9:23-24: Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

Contradiction with James 4:6

Acts 8:9 describes Simon as boasting about his own greatness, contrasting with James 4:6 which states that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

James 4:6: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
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