Episode Details

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, and still others to different near-term fulfillments. He concludes by previewing Part 3, where Matthew 24 takes center stage and the discussion turns to "the end," "all nations," and whether Jesus' Olivet Discourse predicts one event or several.

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. Jackson, Wayne. "What Is the Meaning of Matthew 10:23?" Christian Courier.
   https://christiancourier.com/articles/what-is-the-meaning-of-matthew-10-23
3. McGowan, Sean. "Before the Son of Man Comes (Matthew 10:23)." Knowing Scripture.
   https://knowingscripture.com/articles/before-the-son-of-man-comes-matthew-10-23
4. Brown, Austin. "Wrestling With Matthew 10:23." Gentle Reformation. https://gentlereformation.com/2011/03/31/wrestling-with-matthew-1023/
5. Guzik, David. Matthew 10 Commentary. Enduring Word.
   https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-10/ 
6. Stallard, Michael D. Matthew 10:23 and the Coming of the Son of Man. Liberty University Digital Commons. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1095&context=pretrib_arch
7. Bowen, David, Ph.D. "Is Jesus Recorded as a Failed Apocalypticist?" Ehrman Project. https://ehrmanproject.com/is-jesus-recorded-as-a-failed-apocalypticist 
8. O'Neill, Tim. "Jesus the Apocalyptic Prophet." History for Atheists.
   https://historyforatheists.com/2018/12/jesus-apocalyptic-prophet/