

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

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!

Dec 19, 2024 • 27min
Pagan Precaution (Acts 19:11-20)
In this episode of Tough Text, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price explore the peculiar story of the Sons of Sceva from Acts 19, discussing the miraculous acts performed by the apostles, the dangers of mimicking faith without true belief, and the implications of syncretism in the early church. The conversation highlights the importance of genuine faith in Jesus and the consequences of attempting to wield His name without true authority. 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: Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi Junk Drawer Jesus By Matt Popovits Signup For Free Advent Church Resources for 2024 Clothed with Christ by Brian William Thomas More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price

Dec 5, 2024 • 26min
Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price look into the parable of the Sheep and the Goats from Matthew 25:31-46. They explore themes of judgment, righteousness, and the nature of good works. The conversation emphasizes that true righteousness comes from faith, not from our deeds, and that our good works are a reflection of our relationship with Jesus. 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: Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi Junk Drawer Jesus By Matt Popovits Signup For Free Advent Church Resources for 2024 Clothed with Christ by Brian William Thomas More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price

Dec 3, 2024 • 33min
Fueling the Mission: Supporting 1517 to Proclaim the Gospel
Support 1517 This Giving Tuesday This is Caleb Keith, director of the 1517 Podcast Network. Today, as many of you may know, is Giving Tuesday. On this special day, I have a question for you: Does this podcast bring Jesus and His Gospel of peace into your life on a regular basis? At 1517, our mission—and the mission of the 1517 Podcast Network—is to declare and defend the Good News that we are forgiven and free through the death and resurrection of Christ alone. Because of Jesus, God has made peace with you and continues to actively give you His peace. You can give by visiting 1517.org or by following the link in the show notes.

Nov 14, 2024 • 22min
Lying and Dying (Acts 5:1-11)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price discuss the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts chapter 5. They provide the context of the early church and the Council of Jerusalem, highlighting the opposition the believers faced from both Jewish and Roman authorities. They explain that the sin in this narrative is not the withholding of money, but the lying and deception. They discuss the significance of lying to the apostles, who represent God, and the fear that came upon the church as a result. They emphasize that this passage is a law passage and does not contain the gospel. 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: Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi Junk Drawer Jesus By Matt Popovits Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast Signup For Free Advent Church Resources for 2024 Clothed with Christ by Brian William Thomas More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price

Oct 24, 2024 • 26min
God Talk vs. Devil Talk (Matthew 16:21-23)
In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price explore the complexities of faith as illustrated in Matthew 16:21-23. The conversation centers around contrasting Peter's earlier confession of Jesus as the Christ compared to Peter's rebuke of Jesus fortelling his death and ressurection. The discussion also touches on the relationship between the disciples and Jesus, the challenges of believing the gospel in the context of political tensions, and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the gospel message. 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: Junk Drawer Jesus By Matt Popovits Listen to 1517 Executive Director Scott Keith and Magnus Persson on the latest Re:Formera podcast Signup For Free Advent Church Resources for 2024 Clothed with Christ by Brian William Thomas The Inklings: Apostles and Apologists of the Imagination with Sam Schuldheisz More from the hosts: Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price