The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 15:3–Does the Bible Endorse Capital Punishment? A Clear-Sighted Review

Host Lance Smith examines whether the Bible supports capital punishment by unpacking Old Testament laws, the story of Cain, Jesus' actions in John 8, and New Testament teachings like Romans 13 and Genesis 9:6.
The episode explains the difference between Israel’s theocracy (where civil death penalties applied) and the New Testament church (which emphasizes forgiveness), while noting that governments retain authority to punish wrongdoers.
In the end, Smith argues the Bible is not contradictory but nuanced, balancing God’s justice and mercy and urging thoughtful Christian engagement on the issue.
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/capital.html 
GotQuestions.org – “What does the Bible say about the death penalty / capital punishment?” https://www.gotquestions.org/death-penalty.html
Charles W. Colson – “Why I Support Capital Punishment” (The Gospel Coalition) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-i-support-capital-punishment/
John Piper interview – “Do You Believe in Capital Punishment?” (Desiring God) https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/do-you-believe-in-capital-punishment
Greg Koukl – “The Bible and Capital Punishment” (Stand to Reason) https://www.str.org/w/the-bible-and-capital-punishment
Matthew Arbo – “Why I Oppose Capital Punishment” (The Gospel Coalition) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-i-oppose-capital-punishment/
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – “The Gospel of Life and the Sentence of Death: Catholic Teaching on Capital Punishment” https://www.usccb.org/committees/pro-life-activities/gospel-life-and-sentence-death-catholic-teaching-capital-punishment
Pope John Paul II – Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life)

Numbers 4:6—Never Remove the Poles? Solving the Ark’s Apparent Contradiction

This episode tackles an apparent contradiction between Exodus 25:15 and Numbers 4:6 about whether the Ark of the Covenant’s poles were removed for transport. By examining the Hebrew verb, archaeological parallels (like Egyptian ritual chests), and later biblical references, the host shows the poles remained attached but were positioned for carrying, resolving the difficulty.
The conclusion highlights the importance of careful reading of Scripture and the spiritual lesson that reverent obedience protects what is holy and keeps God’s presence ready to move with his people.
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
Eichler, Raanan. “The Poles of the Ark and Tutankhamun’s Chest.” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-poles-of-the-ark-and-tutankhamuns-chest
Guzik, David. Enduring Word Bible Commentary on 1 Kings Chapter 8. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-kings-8/
“Don’t Remove the Poles.” Elkhorn Bible Church Blog. https://ebcelkhorn.com/dont-remove-the-poles
“Terumah: The Ark and Its Poles.” Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest. https://www.jfedgmw.org/terumah-the-ark-and-its-poles/
“Ark of the Covenant in Egyptian Context.” Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ark-of-the-covenant-in-egyptian-context/

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 14:1-2 – Herod, Guilt, and Ghosts

Episode 216 examines whether Herod Antipas thought Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead, comparing Matthew and Mark (which record Herod's confident conclusion) with Luke (which highlights his puzzled, unsettled reaction).
The episode argues the accounts are complementary: guilt and remorse explain Herod's fearful conclusion, while Luke records the confusion and inner turmoil before that conclusion settles.
By reading the Gospels together, the host shows this is not a contradiction but a fuller psychological portrait of a guilty man, and offers a pastoral takeaway about guilt, forgiveness, and the harmony of eyewitness testimony.
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/herod.html 
Veritas Domain blog, “Bible Contradiction? Did Herod think Jesus was John the Baptist?” by SLIMJIM: https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2016/03/26/bible-contradiction-did-herod-think-jesus-was-john-the-baptist/
Enduring Word Commentary on Matthew 14 and Mark 6 by David Guzik: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-14/ and https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/mark-6/
Biblical Archaeology Society, “Herod Antipas in the Bible and Beyond”: https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/people-in-the-bible/herod-antipas-in-the-bible-and-beyond/
BibleAuthenticity.com, “Did Herod Think Jesus Was John the Baptist?”: https://bibleauthenticity.com/did-herod-think-jesus-was-john-the-baptist/ 
‘Was John the Baptist Raised from the Dead? The Origins of Mark 6:14–16’ by Michael Wojciechowski, Biblical Annals (2017): https://czasopisma.kul.pl/index.php/ba/article/download/4378/4575/14412 

Numbers 4:3 — 30, 25, 20: Making Sense of Levitical Ages

This episode unpacks why Numbers 4:3, Numbers 8:24, and Ezra 3:8 list different ages for Levitical service and shows they are not contradictions but reflect different roles and historical contexts.
It explains that 25 marks apprenticeship in the wilderness, 30 denotes full responsibility for heavy tabernacle duties, and 20 reflects the settled temple-era and Davidic reforms—making the system coherent, wise, and situational.
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
“Why Does Numbers 8:24 Specify a Starting Age for Levite Duties?” BibleHub Q&A. Available at: https://biblehub.com/q/Why_set_Levite_duty_age_in_Num_8_24.htm
“Why Did God Restrict the Age That a Priest Could Serve (Numbers 8:24–26)?” GotQuestions.org. Available at: https://www.gotquestions.org/priest-age.html
Miller, R. D. “What Is the Minimum Age of Service for Levites: 25 or 30?” Contradictions in the Bible (blog), 2014. Available at: http://contradictionsinthebible.com/minimum-age-service-levites-25-30/
Duncan, J. Ligon. “Lamps, Levites, and Retirement.” Reformed Theological Seminary, 2007 (audio/sermon article on Numbers 8). Available at: https://rts.edu/resources/lamps-levites-and-retirement/
NET Bible Study Notes on Ezra 3:8. Available at: https://netbible.org/bible/Ezra+3
Yap, Jason T. “The Purpose and Function of the Feast of Tabernacles in Ezra 3.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 64, no. 2 (2021): 253–264. Available at: https://etsjets.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/files_JETS-PDFs_64_64-2_JETS_64.2_253-264_Yap.pdf

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 13:53 – Nazareth's Rejection: One Visit or Two? (Gospel Puzzle Explained)

Episode 214 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast examines the apparent contradiction between Luke 4 and Matthew/Mark about when Jesus was rejected in Nazareth. Lance Smith compares Luke’s early, dramatic account with Matthew and Mark’s later, quieter version and explores whether these are two separate visits or one event presented differently.
The episode surveys scholarly views, explains how ancient biographies arrange material for theological effect, and argues that, whether once or twice, the central message is unchanged: a prophet is not honored in his hometown and unbelief can limit God’s work.
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/first/contra2_list.html 
Matthew R. Crawford, "Rejection at Nazareth in the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke — and Tatian": https://www.academia.edu/28252653/Rejection_at_Nazareth_in_the_Gospels_of_Mark_Matthew_Luke_and_Tatian
James M. Rochford, "How was Jesus rejected? (cf. Mk. 6:1-5; Lk. 4:16-30)": https://evidenceunseen.com/new-testament/matthew/difficulties/how-was-jesus-rejected-cf-mk-61-5-lk-416-30
"Second Rejection In Nazareth": https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-studies/ministry-outside-of-galilee-mid-a-d-32/second-rejection-in-nazareth/
Phil Long, "When Did the Rejection at Nazareth Happen? Matthew 13:53-58": https://readingacts.com/2021/06/14/when-did-the-rejection-at-nazareth-happen-matthew-1353-58/
Ian Paul, "Jesus is rejected by the people of Nazareth in Mark 6": https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/jesus-is-rejected-by-the-people-of-nazareth-in-mark-6/

Numbers 3:12 — When God Substitutes a Tribe: Why the Levites Replaced the Firstborn

Why does Numbers devote so much space to censuses, genealogies, and detailed regulations—and what are we supposed to do with them as Christians?
In this episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers, we take a closer look at Numbers 3 and the replacement of Israel’s firstborn with the tribe of Levi. Did God change His mind, or is something deeper happening in the structure of Israel’s worship and identity?
We explore the biblical background of the firstborn, the role of substitution and redemption, and how the Levites functioned as mediators on behalf of the nation. Along the way, we consider how these seemingly technical passages are intentionally shaping the reader to think in categories of holiness, representation, and sacrifice.
When Numbers is read through the lens of Christ as the ultimate Substitute, even its most detailed chapters begin to point forward rather than slow us down.
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 
“Numbers 3:11-13 – The Levites as Substitutes for the Firstborn,” Enter the Bible (Luther Seminary), https://enterthebible.org/passage/numbers-311-13-the-levites-as-substitutes-for-the-firstborn
David Guzik, Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Numbers Chapter 3, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-3/
Eve Levavi Feinstein and Zev Farber, “Relegating Redemption of the Firstborn to a One-time Event in the Wilderness,” TheTorah.com, https://www.thetorah.com/article/relegating-redemption-of-the-firstborn-to-a-one-time-event-in-the-wilderness
Mark Leuchter, “Who Were the Levites?,” TheTorah.com, https://www.thetorah.com/article/who-were-the-levites
Nick Batzig, “The Firstborn, the Levites, Substitution and the Redemption Money,” Feeding on Christ, https://feedingonchrist.org/the-firstborn-levites-and-the-redemption-money/
“Numbers 3 Explained,” Explaining the Book, https://explainingthebook.com/2025/02/15/numbers-3-explained/
“The Levitical Covenant (Part 1),” Christ Over All, https://christoverall.com/article/concise/the-levitical-covenant-part-1-returning-a-priceless-work-of-art-to-the-bible/
“Priests and Levites,” BiblicalTraining.org, https://www.biblicaltraining.org/library/priests-and-levites

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.