The Sean McDowell Show Real Questions and Answers about the Bible
May 2, 2025
William Mounce, a prominent New Testament scholar and translator, dives deep into the reliability of the Gospels and the challenges they face. He tackles whether the texts have been corrupted and addresses common misconceptions about biblical contradictions. Mounce sheds light on the historical evidence for Jesus, the significance of gospel authorship, and how early church practices ensured accurate teachings. He also reflects on the intersection of faith and academic inquiry, revealing how studying the Bible can transform belief and provide comfort in times of tragedy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Reliability of Oral Tradition
- Oral cultures have strong memory systems and group checks that preserve accuracy.
- Memorization and repetition in ancient Jewish culture ensured reliable transmission of Jesus' teachings.
Gospel Authorship Confidence
- Early church unanimously attributed the four Gospels to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
- Early manuscript titles and writings confirm these traditional authorships were well-known and reliable.
Jesus and Paul Harmonize
- Apparent differences between Jesus' and Paul's messages arise from different audiences and contexts.
- Both emphasize faith and grace rather than works; their messages are fundamentally consistent.