Contradiction with 1 Timothy 3:2
Contradicts by specifying "the husband of one wife," while Titus 1:6 focuses on faithfulness of children rather than just marital status.
1 Timothy 3:2: A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; [of good...: or, modest]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:32-34
Suggests that unmarried men can be more devoted to the Lord, contradicting the emphasis on being a husband and father in Titus 1:6.
1 Corinthians 7:32-34: But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: [that belong...: Gr. of the Lord]
Contradiction with Matthew 19:11-12
Talks about those who choose to live celibately for the kingdom of heaven’s sake, contrasting with the emphasis on family life found in Titus 1:6.
Matthew 19:11-12: But he said unto them, All [men] cannot receive this saying, save [they] to whom it is given.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:38
Implies that it is better not to marry, which differs from the assumption in Titus 1:6 that elders should be married with faithful children.
1 Corinthians 7:38: So then he that giveth [her] in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth [her] not in marriage doeth better.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction lies in different interpretations regarding church leadership qualifications, especially when compared to different accounts of leaders in the early church and their family situations. Some passages suggest leaders should have believing or well-behaved children, which might conflict with examples of notable biblical figures whose family situations were complex or problematic. This can lead to debates on strict vs. flexible interpretations of leadership qualifications.
Paradox #2
Titus 1:6 mentions expectations for a leader's family behavior as a reflection of their fitness for leadership. A moral inconsistency could arise if people interpret this as dismissing or overlooking a person's leadership abilities based on their family's actions, which could be seen as unfair or unrealistic since individuals may not have complete control over others' behavior.