Contradiction with James 1:27
This verse emphasizes caring for orphans and widows as pure religion, while 1 Timothy 5:16 places the primary caregiving responsibility on the believing women.
James 1:27: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Contradiction with Matthew 25:35-40
Jesus speaks about caring for the least of these as caring for Him, which can be seen as a broader call to community care, contrasting with the specific family duty in 1 Timothy 5:16.
Matthew 25:35-40: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Contradiction with Exodus 22:22-24
This verse calls for protection and justice for widows, with God's direct intervention if they are mistreated, contrasting 1 Timothy 5:16's focus on family responsibility.
Exodus 22:22-24: Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
Contradiction with Acts 6:1-4
The early church is seen organizing aid for widows communally, which contrasts with the directive for individual family responsibility in 1 Timothy 5:16.
Acts 6:1-4: And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Contradiction with Galatians 6:2
This verse encourages bearing one another's burdens, suggesting a community-wide effort, while 1 Timothy 5:16 emphasizes individual family responsibility.
Galatians 6:2: Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict in the verse could arise from the idea of personal responsibility versus communal responsibility. The verse suggests that individual believers should care for their family members in need, which might seem to conflict with the broader Christian teaching of caring for all in the community. It presents a tension between focusing on one's own family first and the broader duty to help everyone in need. This could create a conflict for those trying to balance these responsibilities.