# Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 20:28 – Ransom for Many or All? Unpacking the Atonement Debate

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-bible-difficulties-and-answers-podcast-6715880/tuesday-contradictions-matthew-20-28-ransom-for-many-or-all-unpacking-the-atonement-debate
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-bible-difficulties-and-answers-podcast-6715880/tuesday-contradictions-matthew-20-28-ransom-for-many-or-all-unpacking-the-atonement-debate.md
Podcast: [The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-bible-difficulties-and-answers-podcast-6715880)
Published: 2026-06-09T06:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://bibledifficultiesandanswers.podbean.com/e/ransom-for-many-or-all-unpacking-the-atonement-debate/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/vmypitmi4p6qs9w9/Tuesday_Contradictions_Matthew_20_28_Was_Jesus_a_ransom_for_many_or_a_ransom_for_all7pqnj-5bnf3s-Optimized.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1618

## Resource

In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent Bible difficulty: Jesus says he gave his life as a ransom for many, while Paul says Christ purchased freedom for everyone. He explains how different authors emphasize different facets of the same truth, explores Calvinist and Arminian perspectives, and presents the idea that the atonement can be sufficient for all yet effective for those who believe. The episode also discusses God's foreknowledge and human free will with a clear illustration, then highlights practical implications for evangelism and personal assurance. 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/ransom.html Frank Turek video: “If God knows our choices before we make them, are we truly free?” https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1221904213172171 Veritas Domain. “Bible Contradiction? Was Jesus a ransom for many or a ransom for all?” November 13, 2020. https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2020/11/13/bible-contradiction-was-jesus-a-ransom-for-many-or-a-ransom-for-all/ GotQuestions.org. “Limited Atonement – Is it Biblical?” https://www.gotquestions.org/limited-atonement.html GotQuestions.org. “Is the Atonement of Christ Unlimited?” https://www.gotquestions.org/unlimited-atonement.html GotQuestions.org. “What does it mean that Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for many?” https://www.gotquestions.org/give-His-life-as-a-ransom-for-many.html Kayser, Phillip G. “Ransom Paid: Does the Bible Limit the Atonement?” Biblical Blueprints. https://biblicalblueprints.com/Booklets/Ransom…

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