Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 19:17-19 (1) – What Was Jesus' 'Sixth Commandment'? Debunking the Contradiction

About this episode

Lance Smith examines the apparent contradiction in Jesus' listing of commandments in Matthew 19:17-19 and provides a theological perspective on the passage.

In this episode Lance Smith examines Matthew 19:17–19 alongside Mark 10 and Luke 18 to answer the skeptic’s claim that Jesus listed a different number of commandments. Using context, Jewish background, and gospel harmonization, he shows Matthew’s inclusion of “Love your neighbor” is a theological capstone, not a contradiction. Listeners will learn how the three accounts offer complementary perspectives on the rich young man’s question about eternal life and why the passage highlights discipleship and the heart’s true loyalties. 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 Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/sixth.html Michael A. LaFramboise, “A Discourse Analysis of Matthew 19:16-30: The Pericope of the Rich Young Man,” (Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, June 5, 2023). David N. Bivin, “Rich Man Declines the Kingdom of Heaven,” Jerusalem Perspective (18 Nov 2014): https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/12323/ John J. Collins…

People in this episode

Host: Lance Smith

Topics covered

• Biblical contradictions
• Gospel harmonization
• Discipleship
• Eternal life
• Jewish background
• Theological perspectives

Keywords

• Matthew 19
• contradiction
• commandments
• rich young man
• eternal life
• discipleship
• gospel accounts

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Skeptics Annotated Bible, Jerusalem Perspective, TheTorah.com, Enduring Word Bible Commentary

Books & works: Matthew 19:17-19, Mark 10, Luke 18

More episodes of The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

• Numbers 20:21 — Did Israel Pass Through Edom? Numbers vs Deuteronomy Explained · June 12, 2026 · 16 min
• Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 20:28 – Ransom for Many or All? Unpacking the Atonement Debate · June 9, 2026 · 27 min
• Sunday Series—Mere Christianity: A Conversation for the Common Hall- Book One, Chapter Two: Some Objections · June 7, 2026 · 6 min
• Numbers 20:1—Kadesh: Zin or Paran? Unraveling an Ancient Geography Puzzle · June 5, 2026 · 21 min
• Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 20:23 – How Could Jesus Be Limited and Almighty? Unpacking the Incarnation · June 2, 2026 · 14 min
• Sunday Series—Mere Christianity: A Conversation for the Common Hall- Book One, Chapter One: The Law of Human Nature · May 31, 2026 · 7 min