Contradiction with Leviticus 11:7-8
These verses declare certain animals unclean and prohibit eating them, contradicting Mark 7:18 where Jesus indicates that nothing entering a person from outside 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 Acts 10:14-15
Peter initially refuses to eat unclean animals, but a voice tells him not to call anything impure that God has made clean, conflicting with the previous dietary laws that Jesus seems to override in Mark 7:18.
Acts 10:14-15: But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
Contradiction with Matthew 15:11
This verse supports Mark 7:18 by suggesting that defilement comes not from what enters the mouth but what comes out, yet traditional Jewish dietary laws emphasize external cleanliness, which indirectly contradicts this principle.
Matthew 15:11: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 14:3
Prohibits eating any detestable thing, emphasizing external compliance with dietary laws, which contrasts with Jesus' teaching in Mark 7:18 that external factors do not defile a person spiritually.
Deuteronomy 14:3: Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.
Contradiction with Romans 14:14
Paul states that nothing is unclean in itself, aligning with Mark 7:18, but this view contrasts with the stricter Old Testament laws about dietary purity.
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 7:18 discusses cleanliness and what truly defiles a person. The potential contradiction could arise when comparing this to Old Testament laws, which include specific dietary restrictions and emphasize external cleanliness. This might seem inconsistent to those who interpret these laws as absolute, whereas Mark 7:18 suggests that true defilement is determined by what comes from within a person's heart, not by external factors. This shift can create a conflict between a literal interpretation of Old Testament dietary laws and the New Testament emphasis on internal purity.