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All (4043) Scripture Commentary (3050) Theology (173) Mike Winger (795) Pulpit (25)
Mike Winger idea 2018-03-28

Hebrews is not attributed to Paul by Mike; all other epistles he considers genuinely Pauline

Mike's personal view on Hebrews authorship within the Pauline authorship discussion

Hebrews authorship Hebrews New Testament Paul the Apostle Hebrews authorship
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-11

Q&A: 1 Corinthians 7:12 — is Paul's 'I, not the Lord' statement inspired Scripture?

Viewer question: Should we consider 1 Corinthians 7:12 inspired since Paul explicitly says it is his opinion, not the Lord's?

1 Corinthians 7 1 Corinthians 7 marriage apostolic authority
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-11

Q&A: How did Paul know so much about Jesus if he did not personally follow him?

Viewer question about the source of Paul's detailed knowledge of Jesus's teaching and gospel.

revelation Galatians 1 oral tradition Paul apostolic tradition
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-22

Kim misreads Acts 18:4 as a command for all believers to gather in synagogue every Sabbath; Mike shows it is merely a description of Paul's evangelistic method

Kim uses Acts 18:4 — 'he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath' — as a New Testament proof-text for mandatory Saturday church attendance.

Acts 18:4 proof-texting Sabbath Acts 18:4
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-22

The early church gathered on both the Sabbath and Sunday (first day of the week) — Acts 20:7 shows Sunday communion; Kim tries to explain this away as a once-a-year event

Mike presents early church gathering patterns; Kim's rebuttal in his book.

Acts 20:7 1 Corinthians 10:16 Lord's Supper Sabbath Acts 20:7
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-22

1 Corinthians 16:2 shows early Christians gathering on the first day of the week; Kim claims this proves they went to work that day, not that they worshiped

Mike cites 1 Corinthians 16:2 — 'on the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up' — as further evidence of Sunday gathering.

1 Corinthians 16:2 proof-texting Sunday worship 1 Corinthians 16:2
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-16

Winger openly admits he uses reason to discover truth but not to determine it; Sye argues this distinction shows reason is not autonomous — which is the presup point

Discussion of autonomous reason vs. God-dependent reason

1 Corinthians 15 1 Corinthians 15 presuppositional apologetics autonomous reason
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-16

Acts 17:31 — Paul cites the resurrection as giving 'assurance' that Jesus will be judge; Winger argues this is evidence-for-deity, not just evidence-for-resurrection

Winger's Acts 17 argument

Acts 17:31 resurrection general revelation Paul's apologetic method
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-16

Discussion of Acts 17 Areopagus sermon: Paul makes a historical argument from resurrection to Christ's authority, not an argument for the existence of God

Extended analysis of Acts 17 and Paul's apologetic at Athens

Acts 17 Romans 1-2 Acts 17 resurrection general revelation
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-16

Can Christians use both evidential and presuppositional approaches? Winger says yes; Sye says you can use evidence presuppositionally but you cannot combine the two methodologies as co-equal

Audience question from 'apology of five'; key methodological clarification

presuppositional apologetics evidential apologetics classical apologetics
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-16

Colossians 2:2-3 — all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ; Sye uses this to ground all epistemology in Christ

Sye's primary Christological epistemology text

Colossians 2:2-3 epistemology presuppositional apologetics Colossians 2:2-3
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-16

Colossians 2:8 and 1 Timothy 6:20 cited by Sye as warnings against 'false knowledge' not founded on Christ — supports the presup epistemological claim

Additional Pauline texts for presup epistemology

Colossians 2:8 1 Timothy 6:20 presuppositional apologetics Colossians 2:8 1 Timothy 6:20
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-16

1 Corinthians 8:6-7 — 'not everyone has this knowledge'; Winger argues this shows not all people know the God of the Bible; Sye says it refers to saving knowledge, not general knowledge

Winger's Scripture argument against universal conscious knowledge of God

1 Corinthians 8:6-7 general revelation knowledge of God saving knowledge
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-16

Why are miracles acceptable as evidence but not other things? Sye: he's a cessationist, so miracles as evidence is tongue-in-cheek — if you believe in miracles today, go do them; otherwise that evidence is unavailable

Audience question on consistency of Sye's position on miracles

Acts 17 Acts 17 resurrection evidential apologetics
Mike Winger idea 2018-10-24

Q&A: Ephesians 5:11 ('unfruitful works of darkness') refers to common sins, not specifically to Halloween or occult rituals

Viewer asks whether Ephesians 5:11 condemns Halloween participation

Ephesians 5:11 Ephesians 5:3-6 Halloween Ephesians 5:11 Ephesians 5:3-6
Mike Winger idea 2018-11-28

The Life of Apollonius is an enormous text (~15 hours of reading). Its sheer length makes cherry-picking parallels easy — you could find parallels to Paul, Pythagoras, George Bush, or anyone. The vast majority of the book describes Apollonius traveling beyond the Roman world to India, meeting kings and Brahmins, with content wildly unlike the Gospels.

critical thinking apologetics Apollonius of Tyana
Mike Winger idea 2018-11-07

Historians broadly agree that Paul genuinely converted as a result of what he at least believed was an appearance of the risen Christ, representing a dramatic reversal from his role as a persecutor of Christians.

scholarly consensus resurrection appearances historical Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2018-11-07

Winger addresses the claim that Paul's 'not with words of eloquent wisdom' (1 Cor 1:17) condemns the use of apologetics. He argues this is a misreading: Paul is saying his persuasion was not merely rhetorical — the gospel itself had power in Corinth. Acts shows Paul regularly reasoning and persuading. Apologetics serves as a 'crowbar' to open doors, but the gospel message itself is what saves.

1 Corinthians 1 hermeneutics evangelism gospel
Mike Winger idea 2018-12-12

Jesus's own words affirm future divine vengeance and judgment — directly refuting Zahnd's 'Jesus closes the book on vengeance' thesis

Winger compiles multiple Gospel and Pauline texts that show Jesus and the New Testament affirming coming divine judgment.

Luke-11-32 Luke-13 Luke-21-22 judgment apologetics Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2018-12-05

Two reasons answering the homosexuality question feels hard: consequences and confusion

Winger identifies the two root causes that make Christians hesitate to state a biblical position on homosexuality.

persecution Christian witness consequences
Mike Winger idea 2018-12-05

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and the Greek terms for homosexual behavior — a direct condemnation with redemptive hope

Winger examines 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, which lists behaviors that disqualify people from inheriting the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Matthew Vines homosexuality 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 arsenokoitai
Mike Winger idea 2018-12-05

Why Jesus didn't address homosexuality directly — and what he did say about marriage

Winger responds to the argument that Jesus' silence on homosexuality implies it's not a serious issue.

Genesis Matthew 19:4-6 marriage exegesis Genesis
Mike Winger idea 2018-12-05

Refuting the 'temple prostitution' interpretation of Romans 1 with historical scholarship

Q&A question about whether Romans 1 only condemns exploitative or temple-based homosexuality, not loving committed same-sex relationships.

Matthew Vines Romans 1 hermeneutics homosexuality Greek exegesis
Mike Winger idea 2018-12-05

Sexual sins carry a unique spiritual weight — they involve the body in a mystical union

Q&A question about whether homosexuality is 'denying Christ' and how it ranks among sins.

1 Corinthians sexual sin homosexuality 1 Corinthians
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Introduction of the skeptical objection: Paul didn't know much about Jesus

Mike opens by framing the topic as a response to a common skeptical objection he hears when doing Christian apologetics.

apologetics Paul the Apostle historicity of Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Debate preparation with Matt Dillahunty context

Mike explains this video is part of his preparation for a debate on the resurrection of Jesus with atheist Matt Dillahunty on April 11th on the Capturing Christianity YouTube channel.

apologetics Matt Dillahunty Capturing Christianity
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Epistles are not biographies — they don't need to quote Jesus extensively

Before diving into scripture, Mike explains why Paul's letters don't contain extensive biography of Jesus and why that doesn't undermine their historical value.

Paul the Apostle epistles genre of epistles vs. gospels
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Craig Blomberg cited: Epistles of John contain no quotations of Jesus despite being written after the Gospel of John

Mike uses this scholarly observation as evidence that the absence of Jesus-quotations in epistles is normal and expected, not a red flag.

Craig Blomberg Gospel of John genre of epistles vs. gospels
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Matt Dillahunty's claim: Paul only gives us death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus

Mike cites a specific claim by Matt Dillahunty (paraphrased) that Paul's writings tell us virtually nothing about the historical Jesus other than death, burial, and resurrection.

Paul the Apostle Matt Dillahunty historicity of Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Galatians 4:4 — Paul affirms Jesus was a human being born of a woman, born under the Law (i.e., Jewish)

First in a series of scriptures Mike walks through to show what Paul knew about the historical Jesus.

Galatians 4:4 Galatians 4:4 incarnation Paul the Apostle
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Romans 15:8 — Christ as servant of the circumcised fulfilling OT promises

Paired with Galatians 4:4 to further establish Jesus's Jewish identity and Messianic role.

Romans 15:8 Romans 15:8 circumcision Jesus as Jewish
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

2 Corinthians 5:21 — Paul affirms Jesus was sinless

Continuing the list of what Paul knew about the historical Jesus — his moral character.

2 Corinthians 5:21 historical Jesus 2 Corinthians 5:21 sinlessness of Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Romans 1:3 — Jesus was a physical descendant of David

Continuing the list of what Paul knew — Jesus's Davidic lineage.

Romans 1:3 incarnation Messiah/Christ Romans 1:3
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Galatians 3:16 — Jesus as descendant of Abraham, fulfilling Abrahamic promises

Extending the genealogical claims Paul makes about Jesus to include Abrahamic descent.

Galatians 3:16 Abrahamic covenant Messiah/Christ Old Testament fulfillment
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

1 Corinthians 15:5 — Paul knows Jesus had twelve special disciples, including Peter (Cephas)

Paul's knowledge of Jesus's inner circle of disciples establishes biographical familiarity.

1 Corinthians 15:5 post-resurrection appearances 1 Corinthians 15:5 the twelve disciples
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 — the resurrection creed: appearances to Peter, the twelve, 500+, James, all apostles, and Paul

The full resurrection appearance list in 1 Corinthians 15 as evidence Paul knew the historical Jesus and the witnesses to his resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 James (brother of Jesus) Paul the Apostle post-resurrection appearances resurrection creed
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Paul's letters predate the Gospels — his knowledge of Jesus is independent from them

Key methodological point: Paul's testimony cannot be derived from the Gospels since he wrote earlier.

Paul the Apostle historical reliability independent attestation
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Philippians 2:6-8 — Jesus lived a humble, godly life and died by crucifixion

Continuing the biographical details about Jesus that Paul records.

Philippians 2:6-8 kenosis incarnation Philippians 2:6-8
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Galatians 1:19 and 1 Corinthians 9:5 — Jesus had brothers, specifically James

Paul's knowledge of Jesus's family members as evidence of biographical familiarity with the historical Jesus.

1 Corinthians 9:5 James (brother of Jesus) Galatians 1:19 1 Corinthians 9:5 James (brother of Jesus) Galatians 1:19
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

1 Corinthians 11:23-25 — Paul 'received from the Lord' the Last Supper tradition, predating the Gospels

Paul's detailed knowledge of the Last Supper is one of the strongest demonstrations that he knew specific events from Jesus's life.

1 Corinthians 11:23-25 Passover Last Supper 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Last Supper account in Paul matches the Synoptic order — too many coincidences to be unrelated

Mike compares Paul's sequence in 1 Corinthians 11 with the Synoptic Gospels to argue they are describing the same event.

1 Corinthians 11:23-25 Mark 14:22 Matthew 26:26 Last Supper independent attestation 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

1 Thessalonians 2:14-15 — Paul identifies the Jews who killed Jesus as the same people persecuting the early church

Paul's reference to Jesus's killers as earthly, identifiable people further anchors Jesus in physical history.

1 Thessalonians 2:14-15 historicity of Jesus 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15 death of Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

1 Timothy 6:13 — Paul references Jesus's testimony before Pontius Pilate

Paul's specific mention of Pontius Pilate ties Jesus's death to a named Roman governor, confirming his historical existence.

1 Timothy 6:13 historicity of Jesus crucifixion of Jesus 1 Timothy 6:13
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

1 Corinthians 7:10 — Paul distinguishes Jesus's teaching from his own on divorce

Paul's explicit attribution of a teaching to 'the Lord' rather than himself demonstrates his awareness of Jesus's specific teachings.

1 Corinthians 7:10 divorce 1 Corinthians 7:10 Jesus's teaching on divorce
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Romans 12:14 echoes Luke 6:27-28 — bless those who persecute you

Paul's ethical instructions parallel Jesus's teachings in the Sermon on the Plain, suggesting he is drawing from Jesus's tradition.

Romans 12:14 Luke 6:27-28 Romans 12:14 Luke 6:27-28 love of enemies
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Romans 12:17 echoes Matthew 5:39 — do not repay evil for evil / turn the other cheek

Another parallel between Paul's ethical instructions and the Sermon on the Mount.

Romans 12:17 Matthew 5:39 Romans 12:17 Paul echoing Jesus's teaching Matthew 5:39
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Romans 13:7 echoes the 'Render to Caesar' teaching of Jesus (Mark 12:14-17)

Paul's instruction to pay taxes parallels Jesus's teaching about taxes to Caesar, which was a highly contested political/religious issue.

Romans 13:7 Mark 12:14-17 Paul echoing Jesus's teaching Romans 13:7 Mark 12:14-17
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

Romans 14:14 — Paul says he is persuaded 'in the Lord Jesus' that nothing is unclean in itself, echoing Mark 7:19 and Luke 11:41

Paul explicitly attributes a specific conviction to Jesus's authority, pointing to his awareness of Jesus's actual teachings.

Romans 14:14 Mark 7:18-19 Luke 11:41 Romans 14:14 Paul echoing Jesus's teaching Mark 7:18-19
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

1 Corinthians 9:14 — Paul says 'the Lord commanded' that gospel workers be supported financially

Paul explicitly attributes a specific command to Jesus regarding financial support for those who proclaim the gospel.

1 Corinthians 9:14 Luke 10:7 Paul attributing teaching to Jesus 1 Corinthians 9:14 Luke 10:7
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-20

1 Timothy 5:18 quotes Luke 10:7 alongside Deuteronomy 25:4 and calls both 'Scripture'

The author of 1 Timothy introduces two quotations with 'the Scripture says' — one from the OT and one from Luke 10:7 — implying canonical status for Gospel material in the first century.

Deuteronomy 25:4 Luke 10:7 1 Timothy 5:18 Deuteronomy 25:4 Luke 10:7 laborer deserves wages