Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 15:3–Does the Bible Endorse Capital Punishment? A Clear-Sighted Review
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast
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Show Notes
Host Lance Smith examines whether the Bible supports capital punishment by unpacking Old Testament laws, the story of Cain, Jesus' actions in John 8, and New Testament teachings like Romans 13 and Genesis 9:6.
The episode explains the difference between Israel’s theocracy (where civil death penalties applied) and the New Testament church (which emphasizes forgiveness), while noting that governments retain authority to punish wrongdoers.
In the end, Smith argues the Bible is not contradictory but nuanced, balancing God’s justice and mercy and urging thoughtful Christian engagement on the issue.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
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Email Address: [email protected]
- Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/capital.html
- GotQuestions.org – “What does the Bible say about the death penalty / capital punishment?” https://www.gotquestions.org/death-penalty.html
- Charles W. Colson – “Why I Support Capital Punishment” (The Gospel Coalition) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-i-support-capital-punishment/
- John Piper interview – “Do You Believe in Capital Punishment?” (Desiring God) https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/do-you-believe-in-capital-punishment
- Greg Koukl – “The Bible and Capital Punishment” (Stand to Reason) https://www.str.org/w/the-bible-and-capital-punishment
- Matthew Arbo – “Why I Oppose Capital Punishment” (The Gospel Coalition) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-i-oppose-capital-punishment/
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – “The Gospel of Life and the Sentence of Death: Catholic Teaching on Capital Punishment” https://www.usccb.org/committees/pro-life-activities/gospel-life-and-sentence-death-catholic-teaching-capital-punishment
- Pope John Paul II – Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life)