Navigating Biblical Contradictions: Acts 17:9 vs. Peaceful Teachings
In this article, you will learn how Acts 17:9 contradicts Romans 12:18, Matthew 5:39, 1 Peter 3:9, Matthew 5:25, Proverbs 24:10 and Colossians 3:13. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In the early Christian narrative of Acts 17:9, we encounter a situation where Jason and others, facing a hostile environment, provide some form of security or promise to local leaders to maintain peace. It's an action taken under pressure to ensure safety and allow everyone to return home freely. However, when juxtaposed with other teachings in the Bible, it becomes evident that this approach is not entirely in harmony with the overarching message of peace and faith.
The apostle Paul, in Romans 12:18, implores believers, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." This advice suggests a proactive pursuit of peace without suggesting concessions under duress. It's akin to choosing a path even when negotiations might appear challenging. How does one reconcile such a proactive stance with the action taken in Acts?
Matthew 5:39 further deepens this conundrum by advising believers to "not resist evil." This teaching is about embodying patience and forgiveness, in stark contrast to the necessity of Jason’s compromise to resolve conflict. Similarly, 1 Peter 3:9 guides followers not to repay evil with evil. Instead, it calls for blessings even when wronged.
Moreover, consider Matthew 5:25, which advises quickly reconciling with an adversary. This instruction challenges the compelled compromise seen in Acts 17:9, akin to settling a dispute out of court before it escalates. Proverbs 24:10 speaks of not fainting in adversity, suggesting resilience rather than a pressured solution.
Colossians 3:13 emphasizes patience and forgiveness, highlighting the presence of a divine solution over an immediate earthly settlement. The contrast with Acts is like choosing patience over urgency in the heat of a disagreement.
These scriptures invite reflection: How do we faithfully balance immediate, pressured peace with enduring, principled peace? In the complexity of life, how do we align our actions with the broader scriptural call for forgiveness, patience, and true peace?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Acts 17:9 | And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go. |
| 2. | Romans 12:18 | If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. |
| 3. | Matthew 5:39 | But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. |
| 4. | 1 Peter 3:9 | Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. |
| 5. | Matthew 5:25 | Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. |
| 6. | Proverbs 24:10 | [If] thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength [is] small. [small: Heb. narrow] |
| 7. | Colossians 3:13 | Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye. [quarrel: or, complaint] |