The Alisa Childers Podcast

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#322 A Conversation about New Testament Reliability, with Dr. Mel Winstead

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Jul 31, 2025

Guest

Mel Winstead

Dr. Mel Winstead, a New Testament scholar and pastor, dives deep into the reliability of the New Testament. He discusses fascinating archaeological discoveries that support its authenticity and examines the dating of the Gospels, countering modern skepticism. Winstead also reflects on pastoring in a rural community and the big questions his students grapple with. Additionally, he highlights the connection between the Old and New Covenants, emphasizing their significance and the historical accuracy of scripture through evidence.

01:07:18

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ANECDOTE

Small Church Pastor Experience

Mel Winstead pastors a small rural church of about 80 people in Marshville, North Carolina.
He brings congregants to apologetics conferences to encourage deeper biblical understanding beyond fideism.

insights

INSIGHT

Fideism vs Classical Apologetics

Fideism means believing without any evidence, simply accepting what you're told.
Classical apologetics begins with establishing the existence of God and truth as knowable realities.

insights

INSIGHT

Jesus Validates New Testament Truth

The New Testament's truth is linked to the identity and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to guide apostles into truth, supporting Scripture's trustworthiness.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring New Testament Reliability

02:01 • 5min

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From Pastors to Scholars: The Role of Education in Faith

07:22 • 7min

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Exploring the Reliability of Children’s Content and the New Testament

14:18 • 4min

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Exploring the Historical Reliability of the New Testament

18:45 • 4min

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Exploring the Connection Between Old and New Covenants

22:21 • 5min

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Dating the Gospels: A Scholarly Examination

27:13 • 6min

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Exploring Biblical Truths and Science's Relationship with the New Testament

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Unveiling the New Testament: Archaeology and Faith

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Exploring the Significance of Truth and Spiritual Nurturing

01:01:42 • 6min

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In the first of several episodes highlighting seminary professors, New Testament scholar Dr. Mel Winstead joins the show to talk about the reliability of the New Testament. We discuss some of the archaeological finds that have supported its truthfulness, as well as its dating. He also shares about pastoring in a small rural community, and what types of big questions students are asking in his New Testament classes at Southern Evangelical Seminary.

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