Contradiction with 1 Timothy 4:3
1 Timothy warns against forbidding to marry, whereas 1 Corinthians 7:2 promotes marriage to avoid fornication, suggesting different attitudes towards celibacy.
1 Timothy 4:3: Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Contradiction with Matthew 19:10-12
Jesus mentions that some have renounced marriage for the kingdom of heaven, which implies celibacy as a virtuous option, unlike the encouragement of marriage in 1 Corinthians 7:2.
Matthew 19:10-12: His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with [his] wife, it is not good to marry.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:8
Paul suggests that it is good for the unmarried and widows to remain single, which seems to contradict his earlier advice in 1 Corinthians 7:2 to marry to avoid fornication.
1 Corinthians 7:8: I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction between this verse, which suggests marriage to avoid sexual immorality, and earlier biblical teachings that hold celibacy or remaining unmarried as an ideal state, as seen in teachings about the virtues of avoiding earthly desires. This could be seen as inconsistent because the ideal of celibacy is somewhat at odds with promoting marriage as a solution to desires. However, contextually, both views can be understood as providing different guidance depending on individual circumstances.
Paradox #2
1 Corinthians 7:2 advises each man to have his own wife and each woman her own husband to avoid immorality. A contradiction or inconsistency could arise when comparing this to certain Old Testament practices, such as polygamy, where having multiple wives was acceptable for figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Solomon. This may seem inconsistent with the New Testament's promotion of monogamy.
Paradox #3
This verse advises marriage to avoid immorality, which could conflict with the idea that love, rather than fear of sin, should be the foundation of marriage. This creates a tension between marrying out of love versus to avoid wrongdoing.