The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 13:34 – Did Jesus Always Teach in Parables? Matthew v. John Explained

Hey there, truth seekers. In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent tension between the Gospels: Matthew (and Mark) claim Jesus always taught the crowds in parables, while John records extended theological dialogues instead of short parables. The episode compares context, literary style, and scholarly arguments to show how both accounts can be complementary—Matthew highlights Jesus’ public parabolic teaching, while John emphasizes intimate, identity-focused discourse. Listeners are encouraged to study carefully and see how different Gospel perspectives deepen, rather than contradict, our understanding of Jesus’ teaching.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html
“Are there Parables in John? It is Time to Revisit the Question” by Ruben Zimmermann, Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus 9 (2011) 243–276: https://brill.com/view/journals/jshj/9/3/article-p243_3.xml (Note: Excerpts provided in conversation attachment)
Why did Jesus teach in parables?: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html
Enduring Word Bible Commentary on Matthew 13: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-13/
Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables? (Their Purpose Explained): https://bibleproject.com/articles/are-the-parables-of-jesus-confusing-on-purpose/
Major Differences Between John and the Synoptic Gospels: https://bible.org/seriespage/2-major-differences-between-john-and-synoptic-gospels/
Three Ways John is Different from the Synoptic Gospels (and three ways it’s similar): https://www.ntwrightonline.org/three-ways-john-is-different-from-the-synoptic-gospels-and-three-ways-its-similar/
Why Aren't There Any Parables in the Gospel of John?: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-arent-there-any-parables-in-the-gospel-of-john.html
Why does Jesus not use Parables in John?: http://blog.charleshedrick.com/2017/01/why-does-jesus-not-use-parables-in-john.html
Parables in the Gospels (Baylor University PDF): https://ifl.web.baylor.edu/sites/g/files/ecbvkj771/files/2023-02/parables.pdf

Numbers 1:46—Why the Bible Lists 603,550 Twice: Two Censuses, One People

Host Lance Smith examines why the Bible records the exact same census total—603,550—twice in Exodus and Numbers. He explains that the Exodus count was for atonement and tabernacle contributions, while the Numbers count, taken one month later, was a military census for organizing Israel to move.
The episode addresses objections about the large population figure and concludes the matching totals reflect two distinct, closely timed counts of the same population rather than a contradiction.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
Brown, Randy. “Large Numbers in the Old Testament.” Bible Study with Randy, 2016.https://www.biblestudywithrandy.com/2016/06/large-numbers-old-testament/
Hoffmeier, James K. “The Number of Israelites in the Exodus.” Bible Archaeology Society.https://biblearchaeology.org/research/chronological-categories/exodus-era/3943-the-number-of-israelites-in-the-exodus
Guzik, David. “Numbers 1 Commentary.” Enduring Word.https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-1/
Guzik, David. “Numbers 26 Commentary.” Enduring Word.https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-26/
GotQuestions.org. “What was the census in the book of Numbers?”https://www.gotquestions.org/Numbers-census.html
Baden, Joel et al. “Recounting the Census: A Military Force of 5,500?” TheTorah.com.https://www.thetorah.com/article/recounting-the-census-a-military-force-of-5500
Agape Bible Study. “Numbers Lesson 1.”https://www.agapebiblestudy.com/Numbers/Numbers_Lesson_1.htm
BibleHub. “Why do Numbers 1:46 and 26:51 differ?”https://biblehub.com/q/why_do_numbers_1_46_and_26_51_differ.htm
Harrelson, Walter J., ed. The New Interpreter’s Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha. Abingdon Press, 2003.
MacArthur, John F., ed. The MacArthur Study Bible. New International Version (NIV). Thomas Nelson, 1997.

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 13:10-11 – Jesus' Secret Teachings?

In this episode Lance Smith examines the apparent tension between Jesus saying some understand the "secrets of the kingdom" (Matthew 13:10–11) and his claim at his trial that he "said nothing in secret" (John 18). Using clear translation, historical context, and scholarship, Lance shows parables function as a public filter—revealing truth to the receptive and concealing it from the hardened—while private explanations and timing explain commands for silence. The result: no hidden gospel, but layered reception and careful timing of revelation.
Listeners are guided through key passages, major scholarly insights, and a practical framework that resolves the contradiction and highlights Jesus' wisdom, mercy, and timing in his teaching ministry.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/secret.html 
"Why did Jesus teach in parables?" – GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html
"What are the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 13:11?" – GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/mysteries-of-the-kingdom-of-heaven.html
"What is the Messianic Secret?" – GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/Messianic-secret.html
"Some Stories Read Us: Why Jesus Spoke in Parables" by Gerrit Scott Dawson – DesiringGod.org: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/some-stories-read-us
"Are the Parables of Jesus Confusing on Purpose?" by Josh Porter – BibleProject.com: https://bibleproject.com/articles/are-the-parables-of-jesus-confusing-on-purpose/
"Messianic Secret: The Mystery Behind Jesus' Concealed Identity" – BartEhrman.com: https://www.bartehrman.com/messianic-secret/
"John 18: I Have Said Nothing in Secret" – readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/2024/01/08/john-18-i-have-said-nothing-in-secret/
"Matthew 13 and the Function of the Parables in the First Gospel" by Jonathan T. Pennington – Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, Vol. 13, No. 3 (PDF): https://cf.sbts.edu/equip/uploads/2015/10/SBJT-V13-N.3-Pennington.pdf
"The Messianic Secret in Mark’s Gospel as Fulfillment of the Revelations of God" by Markus Piennisch – Stuttgarter Theologische Themen (PDF): https://www.sttonline.org/wp-content/uploads/files/STT7_2012_MPiennisch_EN.pdf
"The Parables of Jesus" by Peter Krol – Logos.com: https://www.logos.com/grow/nook-parables-of-jesus/

Numbers 1:1–4:49 — Two Million in the Desert? Rethinking the Numbers in Numbers

Episode 209 digs into Numbers 1–4 to examine the famous census that lists roughly 603,550 fighting men and implies a population of 2–2.5 million. Lance Smith surveys the logistical, archaeological, and textual challenges that raise doubts about a literal headcount.
The episode surveys three main responses: appeal to ongoing miracles, symbolic or theological exaggeration, and a linguistic solution reading Hebrew "’eleph" as clan or unit (which reduces the population to roughly 20–30,000). Smith weighs the evidence and emphasizes the census's theological purpose over raw statistics.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
Katz, Ben-Zion. “Recounting the Census: A Military Force of 5,500 (not 603,550) Men.” TheTorah.com, May 15, 2015. https://www.thetorah.com/article/recounting-the-census-a-military-force-of-5500
Wood, Bryant. “The Number of Israelites in the Exodus.” BibleArchaeology.org. https://biblearchaeology.org/research/exodus-from-egypt/3943-the-number-of-israelites-in-the-exodus
Adair, Aaron. “Counting on the Census Numbers: Mathematical Approaches to the elep in Numbers.” HIPHIL Novum, 2025. https://tidsskrift.dk/hiphilnovum/article/view/152021
GotQuestions.org articles: “Are the numbers in the Bible accurate?” and “How many Israelites left Egypt in the exodus?” https://www.gotquestions.org/numbers-Bible-accurate.html and https://www.gotquestions.org/Israelites-exodus.html
“The Exodus: Fact or Fiction?” Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/exodus/exodus-fact-or-fiction/

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 12:47 – Did Jesus Tell Us to 'Hate' Our Parents?

Lance Smith examines the apparent contradiction between biblical commands to honor parents and Jesus' strong sayings about family priority. Using context, cultural idiom, and examples from Matthew, Luke, and John, he shows how phrases like “hate your father” are hyperbolic calls for ultimate allegiance to God, not literal family rejection. The episode explains the passages, defends Jesus' respect for his mother, and concludes the Bible reorders family priority rather than condemning familial love.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/parents.html 
GotQuestions.org – "What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to hate our father and mother (Luke 14:26)?" https://www.gotquestions.org/hate-father-mother.html
Jews for Jesus – "Did Jesus teach his disciples to hate their parents?" https://jewsforjesus.org/answers/did-jesus-teach-his-disciples-to-hate-their-parents
BibleInterpretation.org – "MATTHEW 12:46-50 THE TRUE FAMILY OF JESUS" by Fr. Abraham Mutholath https://bibleinterpretation.org/matthew-12_46-50/
Benedictine Media – "‘Who Is My Mother?’ Did Jesus Disrespect Mary?" https://media.benedictine.edu/who-is-my-mother-did-jesus-disrespect-mary
GotQuestions.org – "Was Jesus being rude to Mary when He referred to her as “woman” in John 2:4?" https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-Mary-woman.html
Christian Research Institute (equip.org) – "Luke 14:26: Hate or Hyperbole" https://www.equip.org/articles/luke-1426/
Crossway.org – "Did Jesus Really Mean That We Should Hate Our Families? (Luke 14)" by Thomas R. Schreiner https://www.crossway.org/articles/did-jesus-really-mean-that-we-should-hate-our-families-luke-14/

Numbers 1:1—Did Moses Write Numbers? Examining the Documentary Hypothesis

Host Lance Smith begins a 31-episode tour through Numbers by tackling a major question: could Moses have written this book, or is it a later compilation as the documentary hypothesis claims?
Smith reviews the biblical claims, Jesus’ testimony, archaeological evidence, and ancient literary practices to argue that the evidence supports Mosaic authorship and that the question matters for how we read Scripture today.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
DuBay, Jenny. "Sacred Scripture and Mosaic Authorship: Fact or Fiction?" August 14, 2019. Available at: [the PDF provided, but since it's attached, no URL; reference as per user].
"Evidence for Mosaic Authorship of the Torah." Answers in Genesis. Available at: https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/moses/evidence-mosaic-authorship-of-torah/
Youssef, John. "The Case for Mosaic Authorship." Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@john.youssef/the-case-for-mosaic-authorship-b0a102f394e7
"Mosaic Authorship of the Pentateuch—Tried and True." Apologetics Press. Available at: https://apologeticspress.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/0301.pdf
Armstrong, Dave. "Moses Wrote the Torah: 50 External Evidences." Patheos. Available at: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2022/12/moses-wrote-the-torah-50-external-evidences.html
"The Documentary Hypothesis." University of Maryland. Available at: https://www.cs.umd.edu/~mvz/bible/doc-hyp.pdf
Baden, Joel S. "The Re-Emergence of Source Criticism: The Neo-Documentary Hypothesis." The Bible and Interpretation. Available at: https://bibleinterp.arizona.edu/articles/bad368008

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 12:40 – Jonah, the 'Whale,' and Jesus: Clearing Up the Ancient Language Confusion

Host Lance Smith examines the classic ‘‘Jonah and the Whale’’ question by reading the Hebrew and Greek texts, consulting the Septuagint, and comparing translations. The episode explains how ancient language and translation choices—not contradiction—account for ‘‘great fish’’ versus ‘‘whale,” and shows why Jesus’ reference in Matthew 12:40 aligns with the original text.
The show also listens to skeptical objections, reviews Christian scholarship, and explores the theological importance of Jonah as a sign pointing to Jesus’ death and resurrection, while emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the story’s message of repentance and mercy.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/whale.html 
GotQuestions.org – "Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale?" https://www.gotquestions.org/Jonah-whale.html
Apologetics Press – "Was Jonah Swallowed by a Fish or a Whale?" by Eric Lyons https://apologeticspress.org/was-jonah-swallowed-by-a-fish-or-a-whale-2830/
Apologetics Press – "Jonah and the 'Whale'?" by Dave Miller, Ph.D. https://apologeticspress.org/jonah-and-the-whale-69/
Answers in Genesis – "Jonah and the Great Fish" by Don Landis https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/jonah-and-the-great-fish/
The Domain for Truth – "Bible Contradiction? Was Jonah swallowed by a fish or a whale?" by SLIMJIM https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2016/11/20/bible-contradiction-was-jonah-swallowed-by-a-fish-or-a-whale/
Logically Fallacious – "Examining Jonah: A Secular Critique of a Biblical Tale" https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/posts/examining-jonah-a-secular-critique-of-a-biblical-tale.html
Catholic Answers – "Is the story of Jonah and the whale a myth?" https://www.catholic.com/qa/is-the-story-of-jonah-and-the-whale-a-myth
Armstrong Institute – "Is the Book of Jonah 'Entirely Ahistorical'?" https://armstronginstitute.org/639-is-the-book-of-jonah-entirely-ahistorical
The Atheist Experience – "Scientific Proof For The Story Of Jonah" (YouTube clip) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCSMpS0BCkc

Leviticus 26:30—Unpacking When God Says “I Will Despise You”

Episode 205 concludes the Leviticus series by tackling Leviticus 26:30 and the question: did God despise Israel? Lance Smith explains this strong language as covenantal, judicial judgment against persistent idolatry rather than ultimate rejection, showing how discipline aims at restoration and preserves God’s covenant promises.
The episode connects the chapter’s blessings and curses to covenant enforcement, cites scholarly perspectives, and points forward to the hope of restoration and the significance of Christ as the faithful covenant-keeper.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 
Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
Keathley III, J. Hampton. "A Welcome Warning (Leviticus 26)." Bible.org. Available at: https://bible.org/seriespage/21-welcome-warning-leviticus-26
"Leviticus 26:30 Meaning." Video Bible. Available at: https://www.videobible.com/meaning/leviticus-26-30
McKinniss, Mike. "Tough Passages #9: The Price of Treason (Leviticus 26:27-30)." Redeeming Culture. Available at: https://redeemingculture.com/theology/tough-passages/3179-tough-passages-9-the-price-of-treason-leviticus-2627-30
Barrick, William D. "The Eschatological Significance of Leviticus 26." The Master's Seminary Journal 16/1 (Spring 2005): 95-126. Available at: https://drbarrick.org/files/papers/other/msj21e.pdf
"Leviticus 26:30 and the Critical Importance of Rendering 'Bamot' as 'High Places' in Bible Translation." UASV Bible. Available at: https://uasvbible.org/2025/04/30/leviticus-2630-and-the-critical-importance-of-rendering-bamot-as-high-places-in-bible-translation/
Barrick, William D. "Leviticus 26: Its Relationship to Covenant Contexts and Concepts." Unpublished Th.D. dissertation, Grace Theological Seminary, 1981.
Manby, Ted D. "An Exegetical Study of Leviticus 26: Mosaic Covenantal Laws, Blessings, and Curses with Implications for the Reading of Old Testament Canonical Books." Unpublished Th.M. thesis, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2008.