The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Leviticus 18.22--Pork vs. Sexual Ethics: Does Leviticus 18.22 Still Apply?

Host Lance Smith examines Leviticus 18.22, comparing ceremonial laws like dietary restrictions with moral laws about sexual ethics. The episode surveys conservative and progressive scholarly views, New Testament passages on law and fulfillment, and the pastoral implications for same-sex–attracted Christians
Listeners are offered practical takeaways about how to balance conviction with compassion, understand the moral versus ceremonial distinction, and shepherd people toward flourishing in Christ.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
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
Keller, Tim. "The Bible and Same-Sex Relationships: A Review Article." Redeemer Report, 2015. https://www.redeemer.com/redeemer-report/article/the_bible_and_same_sex_relationships_a_review_article
Paul, Ian. "Leviticus and Same-Sex Relations." Psephizo, 2014. https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/leviticus-and-same-sex-relations/
"Are Christians Hypocritical to Avoid Sexual Immorality but Allow Tattoos?" The Gospel Coalition Australia, 2019. https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/christians-hypocritical-avoid-sexual-immorality-allow-tattoos/
Klein, Josh. "Confronting Homosexuality in a Culture of Identity (Part 2)." CrossExamined.org, n.d. https://crossexamined.org/confronting-homosexuality-in-a-culture-of-identity-part-2/
Craig, William Lane. "A Christian Perspective on Homosexuality." Reasonable Faith, n.d. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/popular-writings/practical-issues/a-christian-perspective-on-homosexuality
Freeman, John. "The Gospel Remedy for Homosexuality." Ligonier Ministries, n.d. https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/gospel-remedy-homosexuality
"Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, and a 'Man Who Lies with a Man.'" Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry (CARM), n.d. https://www.carm.org/leviticus-1822-2013-and-a-man-who-lies-with-a-man
Honeycutt, Willie E. "The Meaning and Continuing Relevance of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13." Liberty University Digital Commons, 2002. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1180&context=sor_fac_pubs
"The Prohibitions in Leviticus Don’t Apply to Christians." The Reformation Project, n.d. https://reformationproject.org/case/levitical-prohibitions/
Solberg, R.L. "The Sexual Prohibitions in Leviticus 18 Don’t Apply to Christians." RLSolberg.com, 2022. https://rlsolberg.com/the-sexual-prohibitions-in-leviticus-18-dont-apply-to-christians/
Dowsett, Chris. "The Bible and Same-Sex Relationships, Part 6: Leviticus: The Holiness Code, Ancient Sex Ethics and Abominations." FutureChurchNow, 2015. https://www.futurechurchnow.com/2015/08/18/the-bible-and-same-sex-relationships-part-6-leviticus-the-holiness-code-ancient-sex-ethics-and-abominations/
Sandlin, Rev. Mark. "Clobbering 'Biblical' Gay Bashing." Believe Out Loud, n.d. https://www.believeoutloud.com/voices/article/clobbering-biblical-gay-bashing/
Jarosz, Ian. "Homosexuality in Leviticus: A Historical-Literary-Critical Analysis." James Madison University Undergraduate Research Journal, 2013. https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1072&context=jmurj

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 12:1-2 – Sabbath Showdown: Did Jesus Cancel the Commandment?

Host Lance Smith examines Matthew 12:1-2 in episode 194 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, exploring whether Jesus rescinded the Sabbath or fulfilled its purpose.
The episode weighs Old Testament commands, New Testament examples, and recent scholarship (including David Wilber) to show the Sabbath as covenant context and Jesus as the fulfiller who deepens its meaning—concluding it’s not a contradiction but a progression toward rest in Christ.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
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/sabbath.html 
Wilber, David. "Sabbath Observance in Luke-Acts: Situating the Earliest Followers of Jesus Within Judaism." E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies 11, no. 3 (2025): 51-59. DOI: 10.38159/erats.20251131.
Schreiner, Thomas. "Is the Sabbath Still Required for Christians?" The Gospel Coalition, 2021. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/schreiner-qa-is-the-sabbath-still-required-for-christians/.
"Should Christians Keep the Sabbath?" Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/should-christians-keep-the-sabbath.
"Does God Require Sabbath-Keeping of Christians?" GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/Sabbath-keeping.html.
Lee, Jon English. "The Sabbath and Its Relation to Christ and the Church in the New Covenant." Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 20, no. 1 (2016): 47-66. https://cf.sbts.edu/equip/uploads/2016/08/SBJT-20.1-Sabbath-Relation-Christ-Church-New-Covenant-Updated.pdf.
Craig, William Lane. "The Sabbath Day and Mytho-History." Reasonable Faith, 2021. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/question-answer/ajax_more/the-sabbath-day-and-mytho-history.
Fox, Timothy. "You Don’t Understand the Old Testament." CrossExamined.org, 2016. https://crossexamined.org/you-dont-understand-the-old-testament/.

Leviticus 16:6–22—Scapegoat & Sanctuary: Why Leviticus 16 Still Matters

Host Lance Smith walks through Leviticus 16:6–22, explaining the Day of Atonement ritual, the roles of the slaughtered goat and the live scapegoat, and how the rites purified the sanctuary and the people.
The episode explores ancient Near Eastern context and competing views of Azazel, addresses a classic objection about two goats versus one sacrifice, and connects the ritual’s meaning to Jesus as the ultimate atonement.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
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
Hurlbert, Brandon. “It’s Not About the Goat: The Scapegoat Ritual of Leviticus 16 in Its Ancient Near Eastern Context.” Talbot School of Theology, 2015.
Heiser, Michael S. “The Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16: A Goat for Azazel.” Naked Bible Podcast/More Naked Bible, 2015. https://drmsh.com/day-atonement-leviticus-16-goat-azazel/.
“Being Made the Scapegoat (Leviticus 16:20-34).” Two Saints for All Seasons Devotionals, 2013. https://devotionalstsf.org/2013/03/27/being-made-the-scapegoat-leviticus-620-34/.
“Leviticus 16 - Christ Our Scapegoat.” Christian Study Library. https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/leviticus-16-christ-our-scapegoat.
Angelini, Anna. “Is Azazel a Goat, Place, Demon, or Deity?” TheTorah.com, 2021. https://www.thetorah.com/article/is-azazel-a-goat-place-demon-or-deity.
“Azazel.” Jewish Virtual Library. Encyclopaedia Judaica. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/azazel.

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 11:7–Was John the Baptist Elijah? Unlocking Matthew vs. John

In this episode Lance Smith examines the apparent contradiction between Jesus calling John the Baptist “Elijah” (Matthew 11, 17) and John’s own denial when asked if he was Elijah (John 1). The conclusion: John is not Elijah literally, but he fulfills Elijah’s mission in spirit and power — a typological fulfillment rooted in Malachi and explained across Matthew, Luke, and John.
Listeners will hear biblical passages, scholarly perspectives, and practical applications about prophecy, typology, and how God’s promises can be fulfilled in layers rather than by literal replication.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
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/elijah.html 
Casillas, Ken. "Was John the Baptist Elijah?" BJU Seminary Theology in 3D. https://seminary.bju.edu/theology-in-3d/was-john-the-baptist-elijah/
Godfrey, Neil. "Jesus as the New Elijah, and the Gospel as a Symbolic Tale According to a Scholarly View." Vridar.org. https://vridar.org/2010/12/20/jesus-as-the-new-elijah-and-the-gospel-was-a-symbolic-tale-according-to-a-scholarly-view/
Hahn, Scott. "John the Baptist: In the Spirit and Power of Elijah." St. Paul Center. https://stpaulcenter.com/posts/john-the-baptist-in-the-spirit-and-power-of-elijah
Deffinbaugh, Bob. "John the Baptist as Elijah." Doctrine.org. https://doctrine.org/john-the-baptist-as-elijah
Willmington, Harold. "Contrasting Elijah and John the Baptist." Liberty University Scholars Crossing. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=contrast_compare
Schachterle, Joshua (ed. Bart Ehrman). "Was John the Baptist Elijah? (Differences & Similarities)." BartEhrman.com. https://www.bartehrman.com/was-john-the-baptist-elijah/

Leviticus 13:47–59—Leviticus' Moldy Mystery: Leprosy or Mildew?

Hey there, truth seekers. Ever cracked open your Bible and hit something that makes you stop and go, wait, huh? Leprosy in clothes? That's gotta be a translation glitch or some ancient superstition, right? Or maybe you've wondered, if the Bible's inspired, why would God tell priests to quarantine wool sweaters like they're biohazards? And here's the big one. Does this mean Scripture's just recycling old pagan rituals? Or is there something deeper here about purity, community, and even our spiritual lives today?
Stick around, because we're unpacking all that and more in today's episode. Welcome back to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, the podcast where we take those head-scratchers in Scripture head-on. No fluff, just facts, faith, and a whole lot of fascination. I'm your host, Lance Smith, and this is episode 191, Leviticus 13, 47-59. How can the Bible say that leprosy-infected clothing? If you're new here, go ahead and hit that subscribe button wherever you're listening. And let's dive in.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
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
Balberg, Mira. "Rabbinic Authority, Medical Rhetoric, and Body Hermeneutics in Mishnah Nega‘im." AJS Review 35:2 (November 2011): 323–346.
Feder, Yitzhaq. "Tzaraat in Light of Its Mesopotamian Parallels." TheTorah.com. Accessed November 12, 2025. https://www.thetorah.com/article/tzaraat-in-light-of-its-mesopotamian-parallels
Parry, Donald W. "Ancient Sacred Vestments: Scriptural Symbols and Meanings." In Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, Volume 48 (2021): 11–31. https://cdn.interpreterfoundation.org/jnlpdf/Interpreter-Volume-48-PDF.pdf
Shellberg, Pamela. "From Cleansed Lepers to Cleansed Hearts: The Developing Meaning of Katharizō in Luke-Acts." PhD Dissertation, Marquette University, 2012. https://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1179&context=dissertations_mu
Parker, Erik. "How to Handle Garments Stained by Corrupted Flesh." Infant Theology Blog, November 21, 2021. https://infanttheology.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/how-to-handle-garments-stained-by-corrupted-flesh/
"Leviticus 13:47-59 – Contaminated Garments." Be Still Blog. Accessed November 12, 2025. https://be-still.org/leviticus-1347-59-contaminated-garments

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 11:2-3 – Are You the One? John the Baptist’s Prison Question and Jesus’ Reply

Episode 190 examines Matthew 11:2–3 and John the Baptist’s shift from boldly declaring Jesus the Messiah to sending a question from prison. Lance Smith weighs interpretations—doubt, discipleship, or a mix—and shows how Jesus meets the struggle with evidence and mercy.
Key takeaways: doubt doesn’t disqualify you; bring others into your questions; and Jesus answers with presence and proof rather than shame.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
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/john-recognize.html 
GotQuestions.org: "Did John the Baptist Lose His Faith While in Prison?" https://www.gotquestions.org/John-the-Baptist-doubt.html
Steven Cole, Bible.org: "Lesson 7: Who is Jesus? (John 1:29-34)" (2013) https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-7-who-jesus-john-129-34
David Platt, Radical.net: "Battling Our Doubt" https://radical.net/article/battling-our-doubt/
John Piper, Desiring God: "John the Baptist's Doubt" https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/john-the-baptists-doubt
Bob Wilkin, FaithAlone.org: "Did John the Baptist Lose His Faith While in Prison? Matthew 11:2-3" https://faithalone.org/grace-in-focus-articles/did-john-the-baptist-lose-his-faith-while-in-prison-matthew-112-3/
Jimmy Akin, Apologia Veritas: "Did John the Baptist Doubt that Jesus was the Messiah?" (2024) https://apologiaveritas.org/2024/06/09/did-john-the-baptist-doubt-that-jesus-was-the-messiah/
Benjamin B. Young, Bethel University: "A Qualitative Study of Doubt in the Evangelical Tradition" (2018) https://spark.bethel.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1673&context=etd
David Rhoads, Augustana College: "The Quest of the Historical Jesus: Problem & Promise" (2009) https://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1348&context=intersections
Joel Marcus, Florida International University: "The Christology of Jesus' Disciples" (2010) https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1207&context=etd
 

Leviticus 12:5-7—Why New Moms Had to Offer Sacrifices: Leviticus 12 Explained

Episode 189 unpacks Leviticus 12:5–7 to explain why new mothers brought purification offerings, why the waiting period differs for sons and daughters, and how ancient ritual, medical ideas, and theology interacted.
Host Lance Smith shows the difference between ceremonial impurity and moral guilt, highlights the protective rest the law provided, and points to Mary and Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the purification rites.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
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
MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible: NASB. Thomas Nelson, 1995. (Notes on Leviticus 12:1-8.) Available at: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/the-macarthur-daily-bible-2nd-edition-nasb/
Thiessen, Matthew. "The Legislation of Leviticus 12 in Light of Ancient Embryology." Vetus Testamentum 68, no. 3 (2018): 297-319. Full open-access article: https://www.academia.edu/32175503/The_Legislation_of_Leviticus_12_in_Light_of_Ancient_Embryology  
"In Leviticus chapter 12, why is a woman unclean longer if she gives birth to a daughter than if she gives birth to a son?" GotQuestions.org. Accessed November 2025. https://www.gotquestions.org/unclean-daughter-longer-son.html
Mowczko, Marg. "Periods of Purification after Childbirth (Leviticus 12:1–8)." Marg Mowczko Blog, February 2023. https://margmowczko.com/purification-after-giving-birth-leviticus-12/
Masonheimer, Phylicia. "Levitical Purification After Childbirth." Phylicia Masonheimer, March 2019. https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/levitical-purification-after-childbirth/
Wright, David P. "The Rationale of the Laws of Clean and Unclean in the Old Testament." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 20, no. 4 (1977): 319-328. Free PDF via BiblicalStudies.org.uk: https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/jets/clean_sprinkle.pdf (Note: This is the core excerpt on impurity symbolism; full JETS archive at https://www.etsjets.org/).
Guzik, David. "Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Leviticus Chapter 12." Enduring Word, 2022. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/leviticus-12/ (Hosted on Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/leviticus/leviticus-12.cfm)
"Leviticus 12: Purification After Childbirth." Sefaria Texts & Sheets, Sheet by Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld (Sheet #167321). https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/167321?lang=bi (Interactive rabbinic commentary with midrashic insights).
Amador, Melanie. "In the Bible, Why Is a Woman Unclean for Twice as Long After Giving Birth to a Girl?" Where I Am Blog, October 8, 2021. https://whereiam.blog/2021/10/08/in-the-bible-why-is-a-woman-unclean-for-twice-as-long-after-giving-birth-to-a-girl/
"Postpartum Impurity: Why Is the Duration Double for a Girl?" TheTorah.com, by Rabbi Dr. Shmuel Herzfeld (based on ancient Near Eastern parallels). https://www.thetorah.com/article/postpartum-impurity-why-is-the-duration-double-for-a-girl

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 10:33 – Can God Refuse to Forgive? Unpacking the Unforgivable Sin

In this episode Lance Smith examines Jesus' warnings about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit alongside New Testament promises of complete forgiveness, explaining how the “unforgivable” sin relates to persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit rather than a momentary doubt or mistake.
With scripture, scholarly perspectives, and pastoral sensitivity, the episode offers clarity and comfort for listeners wrestling with guilt, encouraging confession, repentance, and trust in Christ’s mercy.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
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/unforgivable.html 
GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/blasphemy-Holy-Spirit.html
Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/can-a-christian-blaspheme-the-holy-spirit
The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/you-asked-what-is-the-unforgivable-sin/
Mid-America Journal of Theology: https://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files/pdf/journal/02-lammejournal2012.pdf
Concordia University Thesis: https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/id/eprint/976982/1/Plunkett_MA_s2013.pdf
Andrews University Dissertation: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1123&context=dissertations
Habets, Myk. "Jesus, the Spirit, and the Unforgivable Sin: A Contribution from Spirit Christology." Journal of Theological Interpretation 12, no. 1 (2018): 39-57. DOI: 10.5325/jtheointe.12.1.0039.
Cummins, Fergal. "The Only Unforgivable Sin: To Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit." (2015). Academia.edu.