Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 6:14
This verse instructs believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, which might seem to contradict the advice in 1 Corinthians 7:13 regarding remaining with an unbelieving spouse.
2 Corinthians 6:14: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Contradiction with Ezra 10:11
Ezra advises the Israelites to separate from foreign wives to maintain holiness, contrasting with 1 Corinthians 7:13 which encourages staying with an unbelieving partner.
Ezra 10:11: Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:3
This commandment prohibits marrying foreign individuals to avoid turning to other gods, conflicting with the instruction in 1 Corinthians 7:13 to not divorce a non-believing spouse.
Deuteronomy 7:3: Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
Contradiction with Nehemiah 13:27
Nehemiah reprimands the Israelites for marrying foreign women, implying a need for separation from unbelievers, which seems at odds with 1 Corinthians 7:13 advising against leaving an unbelieving spouse.
Nehemiah 13:27: Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?
Paradox #1
1 Corinthians 7:13 might be seen as inconsistent with other biblical directives regarding marriage, particularly the Old Testament instructions for Israelites to avoid marrying non-believers. While this verse suggests maintaining a marriage with an unbelieving spouse if they are willing to stay, earlier scriptures seem to encourage separation in such circumstances. This could be viewed as a change or development in teaching between the Old and New Testaments.
Paradox #2
This verse could present a contradiction for someone who believes in marrying only within their faith. It advises a wife to stay with an unbelieving husband if he is willing to live with her. This might conflict with religious or cultural beliefs that emphasize marrying within the same faith or religion.