Episode Details

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 sets the stage for the series by defining the questions, surveying the competing interpretations, and explaining why context is essential before deciding whether Jesus made a failed prophecy.

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 

1. Skeptic’s Annotated Bible – “When will the end of the world come?” https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/end.html 
2. Ehrman, Bart D. Is Jesus Recorded as a Failed Apocalypticist?
   https://ehrmanproject.com/is-jesus-recorded-as-a-failed-apocalypticist
3. O'Neill, Tim. "Jesus the Apocalyptic Prophet." History for Atheists.
   https://historyforatheists.com/2018/12/jesus-apocalyptic-prophet/
4. "Bible Prophecy: What Matthew 24 Tells Us About 'The End.'" Grace Communion International.
   https://www.gci.org/articles/what-matthew-24-tells-us-about-the-end/