Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse states, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," implying the existence of other gods, whereas 1 Corinthians 8:4 declares that "there is none other God but one."
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
This verse warns against following other gods, suggesting their existence, while 1 Corinthians 8:4 affirms that "an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one."
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Psalm 82:1
This verse describes God standing in the congregation of the mighty and judging among the gods, suggesting other divine beings, whereas 1 Corinthians 8:4 states there is no other God.
Psalm 82:1: [A Psalm of Asaph.] God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. [of Asaph: or, for Asaph]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 11:33
This verse mentions other gods whom people have worshipped, which contrasts with 1 Corinthians 8:4 that says idols have no real existence and there is only one God.
1 Kings 11:33: Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do [that which is] right in mine eyes, and [to keep] my statutes and my judgments, as [did] David his father.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:10-11
These verses differentiate the true God from other gods that have not made the heavens and earth, implying their existence, conflicting with 1 Corinthians 8:4 that refutes the existence of other gods.
Jeremiah 10:10-11: But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. [true...: Heb. God of truth] [living God: Heb. living Gods] [everlasting...: Heb. king of eternity]
Paradox #1
1 Corinthians 8:4 talks about the belief that "an idol is nothing" and "there is no God but one." A potential conflict arises when considering Old Testament teachings that strictly forbid idol worship and emphasize the seriousness of idolatry. Some might see a tension between dismissing idols as "nothing" and the serious warnings against idolatry found in earlier scriptures. This could lead to confusion about whether idols are a threat or not. However, in context, Paul clarifies that knowledge about idols shouldn’t lead to insensitive actions that might harm others' consciences.
Paradox #2
1 Corinthians 8:4 talks about idols and how they are not real gods. A potential conflict could arise with verses that strongly warn against idolatry or emphasize the power of false gods. Some might see a contradiction in acknowledging idols as powerless while still stressing their danger in other parts of the Bible. However, these teachings can also be viewed as addressing different aspects of the issue: the reality of God versus the temptation and spiritual danger of idolatry.
Paradox #3
One possible contradiction could be with the Old Testament laws, particularly in the Book of Exodus and Deuteronomy, which strictly prohibit the worship of idols and recognize the existence of other gods as a threat. The historical conflict arises because the New Testament verse suggests that there is only one God and stems from a context where idols and other so-called gods are considered powerless and non-existent, which may seem inconsistent with earlier texts that discuss other gods as real entities in the context of worship prohibitions.
Paradox #4
This verse talks about the idea that idols aren't real gods, implying that eating food offered to them isn't spiritually harmful. A possible contradiction could arise when considering the belief that all actions, even seemingly harmless ones, should reflect one's faith and values. Some might see eating food offered to idols as compromising their faith or as disrespectful to others who view these idols as significant. Therefore, this could conflict with the principle of being considerate and respectful towards others' beliefs.