Contradiction with Leviticus 11:7-8
These verses prohibit eating pork because it is unclean, which contradicts the idea in Mark 7:15 that nothing from outside a person can defile them.
Leviticus 11:7-8: And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he [is] unclean to you.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 14:3-8
This passage lists animals that are unclean to eat, suggesting external things (unclean foods) do defile a person.
Deuteronomy 14:3-8: Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.
Contradiction with Acts 10:14
Peter refuses to eat "unclean" foods, suggesting they can defile a person, in contrast to Mark 7:15.
Acts 10:14: But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 8:7
Indicates that eating food offered to idols can defile the conscience, implying external things can defile.
1 Corinthians 8:7: Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
Contradiction with Leviticus 11:10-12
These verses list seafood that is considered unclean and should not be eaten, which contrasts Mark 7:15.
Leviticus 11:10-12: And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which [is] in the waters, they [shall be] an abomination unto you:
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 14:9-10
Prohibits consumption of certain sea creatures, emphasizing external sources of defilement.
Deuteronomy 14:9-10: These ye shall eat of all that [are] in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:
Contradiction with Romans 14:14
Paul mentions nothing is unclean of itself, which initially aligns with Mark 7:15, but acknowledges others may see things as unclean, introducing contradiction.
Romans 14:14: I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean. [unclean: Gr. common]
Paradox #1
Mark 7:15 could be seen as conflicting with Old Testament dietary laws. While the verse implies that nothing from outside can spiritually make a person unclean, Old Testament laws specify certain foods that were considered unclean for consumption. This raises questions about the continuity and change of divine laws across the scriptures.
Paradox #2
Mark 7:15 discusses the concept that what comes from inside a person defines them, rather than what enters them from outside. A potential doctrinal conflict could arise when comparing this idea to Old Testament dietary laws, which emphasize external practices and restrictions on certain foods. This might seem inconsistent, as the Old Testament laws focus on what should or should not be consumed, while Mark 7:15 suggests that moral purity is determined by internal actions and thoughts, not by external dietary rules.
Paradox #3
Mark 7:15 talks about what makes a person unclean. A contradiction could be that Jewish laws at the time had strict dietary rules about clean and unclean foods. This teaching from Mark might conflict with those traditional Jewish practices by suggesting that external things, like food, don't make a person unclean, which could contradict the established religious customs.
Paradox #4
Mark 7:15 talks about the idea that nothing from outside a person can make them "unclean," but rather what comes from within. The contradiction some might see is between this idea and other parts of religious or cultural law that emphasize external actions or rituals, like dietary restrictions, as important for spiritual cleanliness. This could create a conflict between focusing on inner morality versus following strict external rules.