Contradiction with Leviticus 11:7-8
These verses forbid the consumption of pork, which is deemed unclean, whereas Romans 14:14 states that nothing is unclean in itself.
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
Prohibits eating any abominable thing, contrasting with the idea in Romans 14:14 that nothing is unclean by nature.
Deuteronomy 14:3: Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.
Contradiction with Acts 10:14
Peter refuses to eat what he considers common or unclean, indicating a belief that some foods are unclean, contrary to Romans 14:14.
Acts 10:14: But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
Contradiction with Isaiah 65:4
Condemns those who eat unclean things like swine's flesh, opposing Romans 14:14's assertion of all things being clean.
Isaiah 65:4: Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels; [broth: or, pieces]
Contradiction with Ezekiel 4:14
Reflects Ezekiel's refusal to eat defiled food, suggesting a view that some things are inherently unclean, unlike in Romans 14:14.
Ezekiel 4:14: Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.
Contradiction with Mark 7:18-19
Jesus declares all foods clean, which aligns with Romans 14:14, but initially contradicts traditional Jewish views of cleanness.
Mark 7:18-19: Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
Paradox #1
The verse could be seen as contradictory for those who interpret certain dietary laws in the Bible as unchangeable. Some may view the teaching as conflicting with Old Testament laws about clean and unclean foods. It suggests that nothing is unclean in itself, which seems to oppose specific dietary commands given earlier in the Bible. This can create tension for interpretations that hold both sets of teachings as equally authoritative without considering context or covenantal changes.
Paradox #2
Some people might see Romans 14:14 as conflicting with Old Testament dietary laws, which label certain foods as unclean. In the New Testament, this verse suggests that no food is inherently unclean if you believe it is clean, which differs from Old Testament teachings where specific foods were considered unclean for Jewish people. This could be seen as a change or inconsistency in what is considered permissible to eat.
Paradox #3
Romans 14:14 may seem to have a contradiction because it suggests that nothing is inherently unclean, which might conflict with Old Testament laws that label certain foods and actions as unclean. This could be seen as inconsistent with earlier teachings about purity and cleanliness.