

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

Aug 28, 2025 • 29min
Lost in Interpretation (Acts 2:1-24 and 1 Corinthians 14:1-5)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Price dive into the often misunderstood topic of speaking in tongues, focusing on Acts 2:1-24 and 1 Corinthians 14:1-5. They discuss the importance of understanding the context and purpose of this spiritual gift, addressing common misconceptions and the potential misuse by Christians. The conversation encourages listeners to prioritize the clear preaching of the gospel over personal spiritual displays. 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

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

Mar 21, 2025 • 25min
Holy Haggling (Genesis 18:22-33)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price look into the biblical narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18:22-33. They focus on Abraham's negotiation with God regarding the fate of the cities. The discussion explores themes of righteousness, mercy, and the nature of God's character, as well as the concept of Theophany and Christophany. The hosts reflect on the implications of prayer and the possibility of changing God's mind, ultimately emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises. 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