

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

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

Mar 7, 2025 • 21min
Harassed by Heresy (2 Peter 2:1-3)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price five into 2 Peter 2:1-3, focusing on the themes of false teachers and heresy within the Christian faith. They explore the context of Peter's letter, the nature of heresy, and the implications of denying core Christian beliefs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between heresy and heterodoxy, the role of redemption, and the seductive nature of false teachings that lead believers astray. 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

Feb 13, 2025 • 25min
Anxiety of Apostasy(1 Timothy 4:1-5)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price explore the complex topic of apostasy, addressing the anxiety it causes among believers. They discuss the nature of departing from faith, the influence of deceitful teachings, and the dangers of cults that distort true Christianity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of placing faith solely in Christ and warns against adding rules or requirements to the gospel, which can lead to a departure from assurance in Christ alone. 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: Pre-order: Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Junk Drawer Jesus By Matt Popovits Take 20% Off Our Lenten Devotionals until March 5th: The Sinner/Saint Lenten Devotional Finding Christ in the Straw: A Forty-Day Devotion on the Epistle of James More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price

Jan 30, 2025 • 24min
Absent Absolution (Matthew 27:1-10)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Daniel Emery Price and Scott Keith take a look at Matthew 27:1-10, offering a nuanced perspective on a figure often vilified in Christian tradition. They dive into the complexities surrounding Judas Iscariot, exploring his motivations, the nature of his betrayal, and the implications of his actions. They discuss the misunderstandings surrounding Judas, his regret after betraying Jesus, and the responses he received from the chief priests. The conversation also touches on broader theological themes of sin, repentance, and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for all sins, including Judas's. 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: Bible in One Year with Chad Bird Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi Junk Drawer Jesus By Matt Popovits More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price

Jan 16, 2025 • 26min
Baptismal Identity vs Idolatry (1 Peter 4:1-6)
Dive into the complexities of 1 Peter 4:1-6, where suffering in Christ is unpacked alongside the transformative nature of baptism. Discover how baptism alters a believer's relationship with sin, offering hope and redemption. The hosts navigate intricate theological interpretations, emphasizing the importance of humility and context in understanding difficult scriptural passages. They reflect on the fate of the spiritually dead, encouraging careful exploration of biblical texts to foster deeper insights. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on faith and identity!


