Mark 7:26 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author Mark, Jesus is saying that He came to help His own people first, like how parents make sure their children eat before giving the food away. But He also shows kindness to everyone, just like when the woman asked for help and He listened to her.

Contradiction with Matthew 10:5-6

Jesus instructs his disciples to not go to the Gentiles, whereas in Mark 7:26, he interacts with a Gentile woman.

Matthew 10:5-6: These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Contradiction with Matthew 15:24

Jesus says he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel, contradicting the encounter with a Gentile woman in Mark 7:26.

Matthew 15:24: But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Contradiction with Acts 10:28

Peter states it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile, in contrast to Jesus's interaction in Mark 7:26.

Acts 10:28: And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Contradiction with Romans 15:8

Christ is described as a minister to the circumcision, emphasizing priority to the Jews over Gentiles, unlike in Mark 7:26.

Romans 15:8: Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [made] unto the fathers:

Contradiction with Galatians 2:8-9

Paul's mission primarily to the Gentiles contrasts with Jesus's initial focus on Jews, evident in Mark 7:26.

Galatians 2:8-9: (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

Paradox #1

The issue with Mark 7:26 could involve a contradiction or inconsistency related to the identity or origin of the woman mentioned, as different Bible passages may describe her background differently, such as her being a Gentile, a Syrophoenician, or a Canaanite. This can lead to confusion or debate among readers and scholars about which description is accurate or why they differ.

Paradox #2

Mark 7:26 involves a story where Jesus initially seems to refuse help based on ethnic or cultural differences, which could conflict with the broader teaching of universal love and acceptance. This could be seen as inconsistent with the idea that everyone should be treated equally and with compassion.