Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Corinthians 7:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Corinthians 7:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Corinthians 7:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, sometimes a wife or husband might help their partner learn about God and be saved, but no one knows for sure what will happen. It's like saying, "You never know, maybe you can help."

1 Corinthians 7:16: For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save [thy] husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save [thy] wife? [how: Gr. what]

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 6:14

This verse advises not to be yoked together with unbelievers, seemingly contradicting the idea of staying 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 Matthew 10:34-36

This verse speaks of division between family members due to faith, contrasting with the idea of maintaining a marital bond with an unbelieving partner for potential salvation.

Matthew 10:34-36: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Contradiction with Luke 12:51-53

Similar to Matthew 10:34-36, this verse emphasizes division rather than unity when beliefs differ, contrasting the hope of saving an unbelieving spouse.

Luke 12:51-53: Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

Contradiction with Ezra 10:11

This verse instructs Israelites to separate from foreign wives to remain faithful, contrasting with the directive to stay with an unbelieving spouse.

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 7:3-4

Advises against marrying foreigners to prevent turning away from God, which contrasts with maintaining marriage to a non-believer in hopes of their conversion.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4: 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.

Paradox #1

1 Corinthians 7:16 might be seen as contradictory or inconsistent if viewed in light of individual freedom and autonomy. Some might argue that the verse suggests staying in a marriage primarily for the potential to save a spouse, possibly conflicting with the idea that individuals should have the freedom to choose relationships based on mutual love and respect rather than a sense of obligation or duty. This could lead to a conflict between personal happiness and the perceived responsibility to influence the partner's spiritual path.

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