Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Corinthians 9:5

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Corinthians 9:5 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Corinthians 9:5. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, he is saying that he and his friends have the right to have a wife or a woman with them, just like other apostles and leaders. This means they could have someone special by their side if they wanted to.

1 Corinthians 9:5: Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and [as] the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? [wife: or, woman]

Contradiction with Matthew 19:12

This verse speaks of those who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake, suggesting celibacy as a choice, which contrasts with 1 Corinthians 9:5's acknowledgment of the right to marry and have a wife.

Matthew 19:12: For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from [their] mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive [it], let him receive [it].

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:7

Paul expresses a wish that all were single as he is, emphasizing celibacy, contrary to the allowance of marriage seen in 1 Corinthians 9:5.

1 Corinthians 7:7: For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:27-28

Paul advises against seeking a wife, and while marrying is not a sin, it is implied to be less preferable, which contrasts with the acceptance of marrying in 1 Corinthians 9:5.

1 Corinthians 7:27-28: Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

Contradiction with Luke 18:29

Jesus mentions leaving family for the kingdom of God as commendable, contrasting with 1 Corinthians 9:5 where having a believing wife is seen as a right.

Luke 18:29: And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

Paradox #1

Some people see a conflict in this verse because it seems to assume that church leaders, like apostles, can have wives, which might seem inconsistent with certain traditions that require celibacy for clergy. This could lead to debates about whether church leaders should marry or stay single.

Paradox #2

1 Corinthians 9:5 could be seen as inconsistent with the idea of celibacy that some Christian traditions promote, particularly for those in religious service. This verse suggests that it was acceptable for apostles and other leaders to have wives, which might conflict with later teachings that emphasize celibacy, especially in certain denominations like the Roman Catholic Church for priests.

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