Contradiction with James 1:27
While 1 Timothy 5:3 emphasizes honoring widows, James 1:27 broadens the care to all in need, potentially contradicting the prioritization of widows.
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 23:23
1 Timothy 5:3 singles out widows for honor, while Matthew 23:23 criticizes neglecting broader justice and mercy, indicating possible contradiction in focus.
Matthew 23:23: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. [anise: Gr. dill]
Contradiction with Acts 6:1-2
The apostles prioritized preaching over directly caring for widows, a contrast to the focused directive in 1 Timothy 5:3.
Acts 6:1-2: 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 3:28
This verse emphasizes equality among all believers, which could contradict the specific preferential treatment for widows noted in 1 Timothy 5:3.
Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:8-9
Encourages widows to remarry under certain circumstances, which might be seen as contradicting the idea of continuous honoring or support mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:3.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9: I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in this verse might relate to the treatment and care of widows, which could contrast with other teachings about self-reliance or who is deserving of help. Some may see a conflict if support is given selectively instead of universally.