The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

After concluding his three-part series on Matthew 10 and Matthew 24, host Lance Smith returns with a bonus episode reflecting on Dr. William Lane Craig's recent podcast addressing the same passages.

Smith explains that while Dr. Craig argues for a future, visible return of Christ distinct from the near-term judgment on Jerusalem in A.D. 70, that conclusion does not overturn the central point of the series: Jesus was speaking about multiple events, not making a failed prediction about the end of the world occurring within His disciples' lifetimes.

Along the way, Lance highlights the importance of careful...

In episode 292 Lance Smith walks through C.S. Lewis’ chapter "Morality and Psychoanalysis," explaining the difference between psychological healing and moral choice. Lewis argues psychoanalysis repairs damaged instincts, while morality is what we do with the material we’re given.

Key points: bad psychological traits are illnesses, not sins; each choice shapes the kind of person we become; growing closer to God increases awareness of our need for grace.

Join Lance as he ties Lewis’ insights back to Scripture and invites listeners to keep asking honest questions about spiritual growth.

References to items discus...

Did Moses choose Israel’s judges, or did the people?

Deuteronomy 1 tells the Israelites to choose qualified men from their tribes, while Exodus 18 says that Moses chose able men and appointed them as leaders. At first glance, it looks like a contradiction.

But when we read Deuteronomy 1:13–15 carefully, we get a fuller picture: the people selected the men, and Moses formally appointed them. Both passages can therefore describe different parts of the same process.

In Episode 291, we examine the qualifications given for these leaders, compare the process with the selection and appointment of the...

Did Jesus predict the end of the world during His disciples' lifetimes?

In Episode 290, Lance Smith concludes his three-part examination of one of the New Testament's most debated passages by exploring Matthew 24 in its historical and prophetic context.

Examining Jesus' Olivet Discourse alongside the work of D. A. Carson, Thomas Schreiner, R. T. France, Craig Blomberg, and others, Lance explains why many evangelical scholars understand Jesus to be speaking of both the near-term judgment on Jerusalem and His future visible return.

Rather than demonstrating a failed prophecy, the episode argues that the Skeptic's...

Episode 289 continues our Sunday Series through C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity with Chapter 3 of Book 3, Social Morality. Lance Smith explores Lewis' argument that Christianity applies not only to individual lives but also to society as a whole. Lewis begins with two foundational ideas: Christianity doesn't invent a new social morality but calls us back to the Golden Rule, and it cannot be reduced to the platform of any political party.

Lewis then sketches what a genuinely Christian society might look like—one marked by honest work, humility instead of vanity, generosity instead of selfishness, respect for rightful au...

This episode examines the apparent contradiction between Numbers and Deuteronomy over whether the first generation of Israelites died in the wilderness. Lance Smith walks through the biblical texts and scholarly views to clarify what the Bible actually says.

Key points: the age-based judgment in Numbers, exceptions like Joshua and Caleb, the Levites and women, inherited memory, and Moses’ corporate language. The episode argues that the passages can be reconciled without forcing a contradiction.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

T...

In Episode 287 (Part 2), Lance Smith turns to Matthew 10:23, examining the skeptical claim that Jesus wrongly predicted His return within His disciples' lifetime. By exploring the passage's immediate context, the significance of the title "Son of Man," and several major evangelical interpretations, he shows that the central debate is not whether Jesus made a failed prophecy, but which event Jesus had in view.

Drawing on scholars including Wayne Jackson, Sean McGowan, David Guzik, and others, Smith explains why some interpreters connect the passage to the judgment on Jerusalem in A.D. 70, others to the inauguration of Christ's kingdom...

In Episode 286 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith continues through Book Three of C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity by exploring Chapter Two, The Cardinal Virtues. Lewis introduces the four cardinal virtues—prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude—and explains why they serve as the foundation of Christian character.

Along the way, Lance examines why Christianity calls for both a childlike heart and mature thinking, why temperance applies to every area of life rather than just alcohol, and why courage is essential to practicing every other virtue.

The episode concludes by exploring Lewis' important dist...

Host Lance Smith launches a 35-week journey through the Book of Deuteronomy by tackling one of the Bible's most enduring questions: Did Moses really write it?

This episode fairly presents the case made by biblical critics, examining the "beyond the Jordan" objection, the Documentary Hypothesis, and the theory that Deuteronomy was composed during King Josiah's reforms. It then evaluates those claims alongside the book's own repeated assertions of Mosaic authorship, the testimony of Joshua, the Old and New Testaments, Jesus' references to Moses, the covenant treaty structure of Deuteronomy, archaeological evidence, and the insights of both conservative...

Episode 287 launches a three-part investigation into one of the most significant skeptical challenges to Christianity: Did Jesus wrongly predict that the end would come during His disciples' lifetime?

Host Lance Smith presents the strongest version of the skeptical case, examining passages such as Matthew 10:23, Matthew 24:14, Matthew 24:34, and Mark 9:1, along with the arguments of critics including Bart Ehrman and Tim O'Neill.

Rather than offering quick answers, Lance lays the groundwork for a careful, context-driven study that asks whether these passages all refer to the same event—or to different events in redemptive history. The first episode se...

In Episode 283 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith begins Book Three of C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity by exploring Chapter One, The Three Parts of Morality.

Many people think morality is simply a list of rules designed to keep us from enjoying life. Lewis argues the opposite. God's moral law isn't arbitrary. It is the instruction manual for how human beings were created to live and flourish.

Using memorable illustrations of a machine, a fleet of ships, and a band playing music, Lance explains Lewis' three dimensions of morality: our relationships with...

Episode 282 concludes our 31-week journey through the Bible difficulties of the Book of Numbers by examining the two-witness requirement in Numbers 35:30. Does this law mean that a murderer could only be convicted if two people actually witnessed the crime? If so, wouldn't most murderers simply go free?

Lance Smith explores the skeptical objection, examines the Hebrew word ʿēd ("witness"), and shows that the Mosaic Law required corroborated evidence—not necessarily two literal eyewitnesses. Drawing on the work of Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe, David Guzik, Precept Austin, Edward D. Andrews, and GotQuestions.org, he demonstrates that God's law...

In Episode 281, Lance Smith concludes his two-part examination of Matthew 23:35 by tackling the question, "Has there ever really been a righteous person?" The Skeptic's Annotated Bible identifies just four passages that answer "No" and more than eighty that answer "Yes." Is that a contradiction?

By examining passages such as Romans 3, Genesis 15, Hebrews 11, and Matthew 23, Lance shows that Scripture uses the word righteous in two distinct senses: perfect righteousness, which belongs to Jesus Christ alone, and credited (imputed) righteousness, which God gives to those who trust Him by faith.

Far from exposing a contradiction, the Bible...

In Episode 280 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, Lance Smith concludes Book Two of C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity by exploring Chapter Five, The Practical Conclusion.

If Christianity is more than simply trying to be a better person, how does the new life Christ offers actually become ours? Lewis argues that God ordinarily imparts the Christ-life through baptism, belief, and Holy Communion, using ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary spiritual purposes.

Lance also examines Lewis' responses to two common questions: What about those who have never heard of Christ? And why doesn't God reveal Himself...

In Episode 279, Lance Smith examines the apparent contradiction in Numbers 35:19 between God's command, "You shall not murder," and His authorization of the avenger of blood to execute a convicted murderer.

He explains the biblical distinction between unlawful murder and lawful capital punishment, explores the purpose of the cities of refuge, and shows how God's law balanced justice with mercy through careful safeguards and due process.

Finally, Lance demonstrates how the cities of refuge point forward to Christ as our ultimate refuge and how the New Testament continues to affirm both God's justice and His mercy...

Episode 278 examines the apparent contradiction in Matthew 23:35 concerning the identity of Zechariah's father. Was Jesus referring to Zechariah the son of Jehoiada in 2 Chronicles, the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, or someone else entirely?

Lance Smith explores the leading explanations, including ancient naming conventions, possible textual variants, the case for the prophet Zechariah, and other historical traditions. He weighs the evidence behind each view and explains why he finds the connection to the Zechariah of 2 Chronicles the most convincing.

Ultimately, the episode shows that the passage presents no genuine contradiction and that Jesus' primary purpose...

Episode 277 unpacks C.S. Lewis's chapter "The Perfect Penitent," showing how humanity's rebellion makes true repentance impossible on our own and why only God becoming man in Jesus can accomplish our rescue.

Host Lance Smith highlights Lewis' rescue metaphor, the necessity of Christ's dual nature, and the central Christian claim that Christ's death puts us right with God.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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In Episode 276, Lance Smith tackles an apparent contradiction between the wilderness itineraries in Numbers 21 and Numbers 33. Why do the lists of Israel's campsites differ if they're describing the same journey?

Drawing from The Big Book of Bible Difficulties by Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe, along with additional biblical and scholarly sources, Lance explains how the two passages serve different purposes—Numbers 21 highlights key events along Israel's journey, while Numbers 33 preserves the official travel record Moses kept at God's command.

Along the way, he explores selective reporting, alternate place names, the realities of moving a nation th...

Did Jesus contradict Himself?

In Matthew 23, Jesus tells the crowds to obey the Pharisees. Yet elsewhere He warns His disciples to beware of their teaching. At first glance, those statements seem impossible to reconcile.

In Episode 275, Lance Smith examines the historical context behind "Moses' seat," explains the difference between God's Law and the traditions the Pharisees added to it, and shows why Jesus could both affirm their role as teachers and condemn their hypocrisy.

Along the way, you'll discover what legalism really is, why truth doesn't depend on the character of the person...

In episode 274 Lance Smith walks through Chapter 3 of C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity, explaining why God gave creatures free will, how that freedom made evil possible, and why true happiness requires union with God.

Lewis’ famous “Lord, Liar, or Lunatic” argument is highlighted: Jesus’ claims demand a response. The episode challenges listeners to choose how they understand Jesus and to keep asking honest questions.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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Numbers 31 contains one of the most difficult passages in the entire Old Testament. How could a holy and loving God command the destruction of the Midianites?

In this episode, Lance Smith examines the historical and biblical context behind this challenging chapter, tracing the story back to Israel's rebellion at Baal Peor in Numbers 25. Along the way, he addresses common skeptical objections, explores what respected Christian scholars have said about the passage, and explains why Scripture presents these events as a unique act of divine judgment rather than arbitrary violence.

If you've ever struggled with Numbers 31...

Episode 272 examines the difficult charge that the Bible endorses slavery by distinguishing ancient biblical servitude from modern chattel slavery, reviewing key Old and New Testament passages, and noting protections and limits found in Scripture.

The episode also connects the biblical trajectory toward human dignity with the church’s role in opposing historical and contemporary forms of slavery, including human trafficking and forced labor.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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In this episode, we continue through C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity with Book Two, Chapter Two — The Invasion.

Lewis takes on Dualism, the idea that two equal powers — one good and one evil — are locked in an eternal war. He argues that this view ultimately fails because evil is not an independent force. Evil is “spoiled goodness” — a parasite that must borrow its power from good in order to exist. This is why Christianity has always said the devil is a fallen angel.

Lewis then offers one of his most striking images:

“Enemy-occupied t...

Host Lance Smith examines the apparent discrepancy between Numbers 25 and 1 Corinthians 10 about whether 23,000 or 24,000 Israelites died after the Baal Peor incident, explaining that Moses records the total deaths while Paul specifies that 23,000 fell in a single day. The episode reviews the background—Israel’s compromise with Moabite worship, Phinehas’ decisive action, and God’s judgment—and shows how careful reading resolves the numbers.

The episode concludes with practical lessons: Paul’s purpose was pastoral, not statistical, urging believers to learn from Israel’s failure, resist gradual compromise, and rely on Christ’s mercy rather than human perfection.

References...

In this episode Lance Smith examines apparent differences between Matthew and Mark about when Jesus cursed the fig tree and when it withered, arguing the accounts reflect different emphases rather than a contradiction.

He explains Mark’s chronological “sandwich” and Matthew’s focus on immediacy, and connects the fig tree’s fruitlessness to a symbolic judgment on hollow religiosity.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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This week we step into Book Two of Mere Christianity as C.S. Lewis begins unpacking what Christians actually believe about God.

Lewis addresses a common question: Do Christians have to believe every other religion is entirely wrong? He then explores the major division between those who see God as “beyond good and evil” and those who believe God is good, righteous, and actively calls us to set right what has gone wrong in His world.

In one of the most famous passages in the book, Lewis explains why Christianity has always carried a “fighting edge”...

This episode examines Numbers 24:7, where Balaam's oracle says Israel's king will be greater than Agag—though the famous Agag in 1 Samuel lived centuries later. The host explains common solutions: Agag may have been a dynastic title for Amalekite rulers, prophetic foresight, or a case of later names used for clarity.

The discussion touches on the Septuagint reading "Gog," the historical context of Amalek, and how the prophecy points beyond Saul and David to the ultimate king in the Davidic line. Practical and scholarly perspectives are offered to resolve the apparent chronological difficulty.

References to items di...

Sidebar Episode: 2026 Midyear Review (Episode 266)

Hello again, everybody! Join host Lance Smith for a special midyear check-in on the Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast. Whether you’ve been listening since our 2023 trailer or you’re just joining us, this episode is packed with encouragement, gratitude, and the latest numbers showing how God continues to use this little podcast.

We take a honest look back at the first half of 2026: • 11,755 downloads — a strong 70.8% increase over the first half of 2025 • Average ~1,959 downloads per month and ~245 downloads per episode (up from 143 last year) • On pace for over 23,000 downloads in full-year...

Episode 265 examines the alleged gospel contradiction about Jesus riding a donkey and its colt into Jerusalem. The host explains how Matthew mentions two animals present while Mark, Luke, and John focus on the colt Jesus rode, showing the accounts are complementary rather than contradictory.

The episode also explores how Matthew’s detail highlights fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy and offers practical reasons—like keeping the colt calm—for bringing the mother donkey.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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Episode 264 explores C.S. Lewis' chapter five of Mere Christianity, where he argues that Christianity begins when we honestly face the moral law, recognize our failure, and receive forgiveness. Lance Smith guides listeners through Lewis' candid diagnosis of the human condition and the path from uneasy conviction to real comfort.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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Episode 263 explores Numbers 22: the odd story of Balaam, his talking donkey, and the angel who blocks the road. The episode examines the apparent contradiction where God permits Balaam to go yet becomes angry, and recounts the humorous and sobering events as the donkey repeatedly avoids the angel while Balaam remains blind to it.

The host explains that God’s permission was conditional while His opposition targeted Balaam’s greedy motives; the donkey’s interventions are shown as merciful corrections. The episode emphasizes that God judges intentions as well as actions and uses this strange episode to teach humili...

This episode examines the apparent contradiction between John and the Synoptic Gospels about when Jesus cleansed the temple—early in his ministry or during Passion Week.

After comparing details and timing, the host argues the simplest solution is that Jesus likely cleansed the temple twice, highlighting his consistent zeal for true worship and confronting corrupt practices.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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In this episode Lance Smith walks through chapter 4 of C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity, examining the moral law and whether something like a mind or director lies behind the universe. He contrasts the materialist and religious views, explains why science can’t answer the “why” behind existence, and points to our inner sense of ‘ought’ as a clue.

The host invites listeners to notice the inner tug of conscience, honestly consider its source, and continue the series into chapter 5 where Lewis explores why that unease can be good news.

References to items discussed and/or used on this...

Episode 260 examines the bronze serpent in Numbers 21 and the apparent conflict with the second commandment, explaining how the image functioned as a God-given symbol — not an idol — and how Israel later misused it.

The episode explores the historical context, the difference between symbol and worship, Hezekiah’s destruction of Nahushtan, and Jesus’ reference in John 3 that the bronze serpent foreshadowed his being lifted up for salvation. It closes with practical lessons about guarding against turning good things into substitutes for God.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the foll...

Episode 259 explores the story of Jesus healing blind men near Jericho and tackles the apparent discrepancy where Matthew records two blind men while Mark and Luke spotlight only Bartimaeus.

The episode explains that the accounts are complementary: Matthew records the total number, Mark and Luke focus on the most notable witness, and historical/contextual details (like two Jerichos) reconcile differences—showing the Gospels offer multiple, harmonious perspectives on the same event.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

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Episode 258 explores C.S. Lewis’s chapter 3 of Mere Christianity, examining the mysterious Moral Law that tells us how we ought to behave even when we don't. Lance Smith unpacks Lewis’ argument that this ‘ought’ is real, not merely social convention or instinct.

Listen for the key takeaways: notice the gap between what you ought to do and what you do, feel the inner pressure of moral obligation, and ask what or Who placed that law in us. Next week’s episode moves into chapter 4 to investigate the source behind the law.

References to items discussed...

Episode 257 examines the apparent contradiction between Numbers and Deuteronomy about Israel’s encounter with Edom, using geography, Hebrew language, historical commentary, and archaeology to show the two accounts describe different aspects of the same journey.

Rather than a contradiction, the episode presents a harmonizing view: Israel was denied passage through Edom’s heartland, took a longer route around its borders, interacted peacefully along the edges, and followed God’s guidance—a lesson about detours and faithful direction.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeaco...

In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent Bible difficulty: Jesus says he gave his life as a ransom for many, while Paul says Christ purchased freedom for everyone. He explains how different authors emphasize different facets of the same truth, explores Calvinist and Arminian perspectives, and presents the idea that the atonement can be sufficient for all yet effective for those who believe.

The episode also discusses God's foreknowledge and human free will with a clear illustration, then highlights practical implications for evangelism and personal assurance.

References to items discussed and/or used on...

In this episode Lance Smith walks through chapter two of C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity, tackling common objections to the moral law—especially that it’s merely instinct or a social convention. Using Lewis’ piano analogy and examples like belief in witches and moral reformers, the episode argues for an objective, binding ‘I ought to’ that guides our choices.

Listen for practical takeaways: notice the inner voice telling you what you ought to do, consider whether you treat it as real, and join the conversation as the series continues into the origin of the moral law next week.

This episode examines the apparent contradiction about Kadesh’s location in Numbers, exploring two main solutions: that Kadesh sat in a border zone between the wildernesses of Zin and Paran, or that two sites shared the name. It reviews biblical passages, historical and archaeological evidence, and ancient commentators, and concludes that overlapping regional terms best explain the wording.

The episode also reflects on Kadesh’s role in Israel’s story as a place of provision and testing, and how understanding ancient geography helps resolve modern reading challenges without undermining the text’s reliability.

References to items di...