Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 14:40
Emphasizes the need for orderly conduct in worship, which can be seen as opposing the concept of confusing outsiders with tongues.
1 Corinthians 14:40: Let all things be done decently and in order.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 2:11-12
Prefers women to remain silent in churches, contrasting with the notion of inclusive vocal participation in 1 Corinthians 14:23.
1 Timothy 2:11-12: Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
Contradiction with Acts 2:4
Describes speaking in tongues as a gift of the Holy Spirit, which can be seen as a practice to be embraced rather than regarded with caution as in 1 Corinthians 14:23.
Acts 2:4: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 14:33
States God is not the author of confusion, yet 1 Corinthians 14:23 implies that speaking in tongues without understanding can cause confusion.
1 Corinthians 14:33: For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness]
Contradiction with Matthew 28:19
Focuses on spreading the gospel to all nations, which may require diverse languages, contrasting with the potential barrier of tongues mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:23.
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]
Paradox #1
1 Corinthians 14:23 might seem contradictory when compared to earlier parts of 1 Corinthians that emphasize speaking in tongues as a spiritual gift. In this verse, Paul expresses concern that speaking in tongues without interpretation could confuse or alienate outsiders in the church. This could seem inconsistent because earlier, speaking in tongues is portrayed as a positive sign of spiritual presence. Balancing the positive portrayal of tongues with the practical concerns of church order and effective communication can appear contradictory.
Paradox #2
1 Corinthians 14:23 is sometimes seen as contradictory or inconsistent with earlier parts of 1 Corinthians when it comes to the use of speaking in tongues during church gatherings. Earlier, in 1 Corinthians 14, speaking in tongues is presented as a spiritual gift, but this verse highlights potential confusion if it happens without interpretation. This can seem contradictory because a valued gift is also depicted as potentially problematic or disruptive in practice.
Paradox #3
This verse might be seen as inconsistent because it talks about how speaking in tongues can confuse new people who come into the church. At the same time, speaking in tongues is seen as a spiritual gift in the Bible. So, there's a conflict between trying to welcome and teach new people and practicing a special spiritual gift.