The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 12:30 Unpacked – No Neutral Ground

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Episode 198 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast. Host Lance Smith examines Matthew 12:30 and parallel passages in Luke and Mark to address the apparent contradiction between "anyone who isn’t with me is against me" and "anyone who is not against you is for you."

The episode walks scene-by-scene through the context, consults classical and modern commentators, and explains how both sayings reflect different situations: when spiritual battle allows no neutrality, and when kingdom work welcomes unexpected allies.

Practical takeaways guide listeners on being strict with personal commitment while generous toward others, and how to apply these truths in everyday relationships and ministry.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

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Email Address: [email protected] 

  1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/withme.html  
  2. "Whoever is Not With Me is Against Me," Desiring God Community Church: https://www.desiringgodchurch.org/web/2019/03/15/whoever-is-not-with-me-is-against-me/
  3. Jimmy Akin, "If You’re Not with Me, You’re Against Me," Catholic Answers Magazine: https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/if-youre-not-with-me-youre-against-me
  4. Ian Paul, "Mt 12:30/Mk 9:40/Lk 11:23 – For, or Against?," Walking with Giants: https://www.walkingwithgiants.net/bible/gospels/mt-1230-mk-940-lk-1123-for-or-against/
  5. David W. Pitts, "No Problem? Addressing Apparent Conflicts in the Biblical Narrative," BiblicalTheology.com: https://www.biblicaltheology.com/Research/PittsD01.pdf
  6. D.A. Carson, "Must I Learn How to Interpret the Bible?," Modern Reformation: https://www.modernreformation.org/resources/articles/must-i-learn-how-to-interpret-the-bible
  7. Bart Ehrman, "50 Contradictions in the Bible," bartehrman.com: https://www.bartehrman.com/contradictions-in-the-bible/
  8. "Response to Ehrman: Alleged Contradictions," biblequery.org: https://www.biblequery.org/OtherBeliefs/Skeptics/ResponseToEhrman2_AllegedContradictions.html
  9. "3-Question-2-What-does-the-Bible-say-about-itself?," Anglican Communion: https://www.anglicancommunion.org/media/254226/3-Question-2-What-does-the-Bible-say-about-itself.pdf
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