

Tough Texts
1517. Podcasts
Tough Texts is a podcast that tackles the most challenging and often misunderstood passages of Scripture. Hosted by Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price, this show unpacks difficult biblical texts with a firm commitment to the proper distinction between law and gospel, the inerrancy of Scripture, and the Christ-centered nature of all of God’s Word. With theological depth and historical context, Tough Texts helps listeners navigate Scripture with clarity, always pointing to the comfort of Christ crucified for sinners. Whether you’ve struggled with complex Old Testament laws, perplexing parables, or hard sayings of Jesus, this podcast equips you to read the Bible through the lens of grace alone, faith alone, and Christ alone.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 12, 2025 • 28min
Run of a Preacher Man (Acts 8:26-40)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Price discuss Acts chapter 8, focusing on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. They look at religious persecution and its paradoxical role in the growth of the church, emphasizing how adversity often strengthens faith. The coversation highlights the eunuch's humility and eagerness to understand scripture, leading to his baptism by Philip. The episode concludes with the importance of preachers and their guidance in interpreting scripture, challenging the notion of self-sufficiency in spiritual understanding. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price

Aug 28, 2025 • 29min
Lost in Interpretation (Acts 2:1-24 and 1 Corinthians 14:1-5)
Dive into the complexities of speaking in tongues, an often misunderstood practice in Christianity. Explore the significance of Pentecost and the empowered apostles communicating Christ's message across languages. Discover the dynamics of the Corinthian church, where prophecy is emphasized over tongues for clarity and love. Learn about the importance of communal worship, focusing on shared prayer experiences that strengthen community. Finally, reflect on the urgent call for clear gospel communication in spiritual gatherings.

Aug 14, 2025 • 28min
Kin Graft (Romans 11: 24-36)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Daniel Price and Scott Keith five into Romans Chapter 11, exploring the complex themes of salvation and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles. They discuss Paul's metaphor of grafting, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's promise through Christ. The conversation highlights the historical context of early Christianity and the role of Jewish believers in spreading the gospel. The hosts also reflect on the theological implications of God's mercy and faithfulness. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price

Jul 18, 2025 • 30min
Parable Perspective (Luke 10:25-37)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Dan Price explore the parable of the Good Samaritan. While many focus on the Samaritan's compassion as our example, they discuss the importance of interpreting the parable with Jesus as the primary focus. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price

Jul 3, 2025 • 23min
Persistent Prayer (Luke 18:1-8)
In this episode of Tough Text, Scott Keith and Dan Price explore the parable of the persistent widow from Luke 18. They discuss the deeper meanings behind the parable, emphasizing the importance of persistence in prayer and the nature of God as a just judge compared to the unrighteous judge in the story. The conversation delves into the concepts of justice, righteousness, and the purpose of prayer, highlighting how prayer reinforces our dependency on God. Scott and Dan encourage listeners to approach God with their needs, reminding them that God desires to give them what they ask for, especially in terms of righteousness and justice. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price

Jun 19, 2025 • 24min
Jesus Cooked the Books (Luke 16:1-16)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Dan Price explore the complexities of interpreting parables, particularly focusing on the Dishonest Manager. They discuss the challenges of understanding Jesus' teachings, the nature of forgiveness, and the radical implications of grace. The conversation delves into the misunderstandings of the Pharisees and the contrast between transactional religion and the gospel's message of Christ's forgivness of debt. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price

May 22, 2025 • 27min
Look All, No Hands! (Colossians 2:11-15)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price discuss the relationship between circumcision and baptism in the context of Colossians 2:11-15. They explore the significance of circumcision as a mark of God's chosen people in the Old Testament and how Paul relates this to baptism. The conversation concludes by examining the inclusivity of baptism for everyone, especially children and how this informs our understanding of faith. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price

May 8, 2025 • 28min
Epistle of Straw, Law and Paul (James 2:14-26)
Live from the North West Arkansas conference 2025, Scott Keith, Daniel Emery Price and special guest Bob Hiller dive into the complexities of James 2:14-16. They explore the controversial nature of James' teachings, especially in light of Paul's writings, and discuss the implications for Christian doctrine and assurance of salvation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of James' audience, particularly focusing on the relationship between faith and works. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Finding Christ in the Straw: A Forty-Day Devotion on the Epistle of James by Bob Hiller Preorder Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price Bob Hiller

Apr 17, 2025 • 23min
Transfigure it out (Luke 9:28-36)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price explore the challenging biblical text of the Transfiguration of Jesus as described in Luke 9:28-36. They discuss the significance of this event, the implications of Jesus' dual nature as both fully God and fully man, and the presence of Moses and Elijah. The conversation dives into the voice of God affirming Jesus as His chosen one, the connection to baptism, and the importance of returning to the world after experiencing divine glory. The hosts emphasize the fulfillment of the law and prophets in Christ and the hope of resurrection for believers. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price

Apr 3, 2025 • 26min
Salty about Salvation (Genesis 19:1-22)
In this episode, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price explore the biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:1-22. They focus on God's wrath, the negotiation between Abraham and God, Lot's reluctance to leave the city, and the consequences of pride. The discussion emphasizes the importance of intercession and the power of God's promises, drawing some parallels to contemporary issues of pride and moral decay. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What’s New from 1517: Celebrate 2,000 Episodes of Christian History Almanac! 2025 North West Arkansas Regional Conference: Psalms of David (4/25-4/26) The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price