In this episode, Stephen and Pat dive into Revelation chapters 1–3 and explore the rich liturgical themes woven throughout the text. From the doxologies and priestly imagery of chapter 1 to the structured exhortations and heavenly promises in the letters to the seven churches, these chapters reveal early Christian worship in action. We discuss how the text reflects not just prophecy, but a vision of the Church gathered in reverence, repentance, and praise—uniting earthly worship with the heavenl...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr
Many Christians grow up believing that “old-time religion” — revival preaching, altar calls, and King James Bibles — represents the original faith of the apostles. But what happens when that version of Christianity is held up against the witness of the early Church? This episode explores the journey from Fundamentalist Baptist roots to the historic Apostolic Church. It highlights the convictions that Fundamentalism gets right — love for Scripture, moral clarity, and evangelistic zeal — while exa...
Jun 23, 2025•49 min
In this episode of FACTS, we confront the growing wave of hyper-skepticism that claims the apostles of Jesus never existed—let alone died for their faith. Stephen Boyce examines the historical and textual evidence for the lives, ministries, and martyrdoms of the apostles, drawing from the biblical texts and early Christian sources. Were the apostles invented to prop up a legend, or were they real men whose lives—and deaths—testified to something far more profound? Tune in as we dismantle modern ...
Jun 16, 2025•38 min
In this episode of FACTS, we trace the powerful story of Pentecost—from its Old Testament roots as the Feast of Weeks to its climactic fulfillment in Acts 2 with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We’ll explore how Pentecost marks the birth of the Church, the reversal of Babel, and the commissioning of the apostles. Finally, we examine how the early church fathers understood and celebrated this feast, with insights from Irenaeus, Cyril of Jerusalem, and Cyril of Alexandria. This is more than his...
Jun 09, 2025•33 min
In this episode, we tackle one of the most contested questions in New Testament studies: Did the Apostle Paul really write 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus? While many modern scholars cast doubt on Pauline authorship, we take a closer look at both the internal evidence—style, vocabulary, and theological content—and the external evidence from early church tradition and manuscript testimony.Join me as I challenge the prevailing skepticism and make the case for the traditional view: that the Pastora...
Jun 02, 2025•57 min
In this episode, we explore a troubling trend among certain corners of modern Protestantism: the revival of ancient heresies long condemned by the Church. At the center of our discussion is Pelagius, the 5th-century British monk whose denial of original sin and distortion of grace led to one of the most decisive theological battles in Christian history. We’ll unpack Pelagius’s core teachings, examine Augustine’s powerful response, and trace how this controversy culminated in the Council of Ephes...
May 26, 2025•48 min
In this episode, we explore the early development and recognition of the fourfold Gospel in the second century—long before the formal canon was finalized. Was the Church already embracing Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as a unified Gospel witness? To answer that, we’ll examine key second-century texts including 2 Clement , The Shepherd of Hermas , and the letters of Ignatius of Antioch . These writings offer striking clues about how the early Christian community viewed the authority, coherence, a...
May 19, 2025•37 min
In this episode, we take a closer look at the newly elected Pope Leo XIV—his background, his first homily, and the early indications of how his papacy may chart a different course from that of his predecessor. From his missionary work in Peru to his evident traditionalist leanings, Pope Leo XIV steps into the Chair of Peter with a unique combination of pastoral experience and deep reverence for the Church’s heritage. We’ll explore his stance on key contemporary issues, his liturgical preferences...
May 12, 2025•40 min
Can anyone pick up the Bible and interpret it however they choose? In this episode, we explore the limits and responsibilities of reading Scripture faithfully. While personal study of the Bible is encouraged and spiritually fruitful, authentic interpretation requires humility, historical awareness, and a connection to the broader Christian tradition. We discuss how Scripture was never meant to exist in isolation from the faith community that preserved it, and why personal interpretation, when di...
May 05, 2025•32 min
As conversations surrounding the death of Pope Francis continue, the inevitable question arises: who will be the next Bishop of Rome? In this episode, I break down the conclave process, examine potential candidates, and discuss what’s at stake for the future of the Catholic Church—and Christianity as a whole. Will the next pope continue Francis’ path, or will we see a return to a more traditional course? Join me for a thoughtful exploration of what lies ahead. If you'd like to donate to our mini...
Apr 26, 2025•44 min
In this special Holy Week episode, we walk through the resurrection of Jesus as recorded in all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—side by side. How do these eyewitness accounts align? What unique details does each evangelist bring to the story? And how do these differences enhance, rather than diminish, the power of the resurrection narrative?Join us as we explore the harmony and depth of the greatest moment in history through four distinct lenses—revealing a single, glorious truth: He ...
Apr 20, 2025•45 min
In this episode, we take a closer look at St. Anacletus , the often-overlooked second bishop of Rome after St. Peter. Drawing from early historical sources and church tradition, we explore what we know about his life, his martyrdom, and his pivotal role in organizing the Roman Church. One of his most lasting contributions was the division of the Christian community in Rome into 25 distinct parishes , each with its own priest—a move that laid the groundwork for the structure of pastoral care in t...
Apr 14, 2025•32 min
In this special episode, Dr. Boyce sits down with Ignatian scholar Jack Bull to explore one of the most debated textual traditions of early Christianity—the letters of Ignatius of Antioch. With three competing recensions—the Short, the Middle, and the Long—each offering a different window into the voice and theology of the early church, which version truly reflects the historical Ignatius? Together, we’ll walk through the textual history, theological developments, and manuscript evidence for eac...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr
In this episode, we turn to the voices of the early Church to reflect on a plea that still echoes today. Drawing from Letter 66 of St. Basil to St. Athanasius and Letter 15 of St. Jerome to Pope Damasus , we explore the call to restore the Church’s unity, clarity, and ancient power in times of division and uncertainty. These letters, written in the thick of theological conflict and ecclesiastical fracture, offer timeless insight into the nature of true authority, the role of the bishopric, and t...
Mar 30, 2025•37 min
In this episode of FACTS, Stephen takes a deep dive into the writings of Ignatius of Antioch to answer a critical question: Did Ignatius believe that Jesus was God in the flesh? Focusing on key passages from Ignatius’s Letter to the Ephesians and Letter to the Romans, Stephen explores Ignatius’s use of the provocative phrase “the blood of God” and what it reveals about his understanding of Jesus’s divinity and humanity. Did Ignatius truly believe that God suffered and died in the person of Jesus...
Mar 17, 2025•39 min
In this episode, Stephen responds to Dr. James White’s claim that the bishopric was an Eastern development that only later spread to the West. Dr. White argues that Ignatius of Antioch’s letters provide evidence for this view, particularly noting that Ignatius does not explicitly mention a bishop in his letter to the Romans. Stephen critically examines this argument, exploring the historical and theological significance of Ignatius’ writings, the broader context of early church governance, and w...
Mar 10, 2025•50 min
In this episode, I interview Dr. Karlo Broussard about his book, Purgatory Is for Real: Good News About the Afterlife for Those Who Aren’t Perfect Yet. Dr. Broussard presents his case for purgatory as a biblical and historical doctrine, arguing that it reflects both God’s justice and mercy. We discuss key topics from his book, including scriptural foundations for purgatory, its presence in other religious traditions, and responses to common Protestant objections. Dr. Broussard also explains the ...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr
In this episode, we explore a term I’m calling Romephobia —an unhealthy aversion to anything that looks, sounds, or is perceived as Roman Catholic. Many historic terms, ideas, and practices that were once broadly embraced by the ancient Church have, over time, been wrongly attributed solely to Rome. This fear has led many to abandon deeply rooted Christian traditions simply because they carry a “Catholic” association. Join us as we examine key theological concepts, liturgical practices, and hist...
Feb 24, 2025•35 min
On this episode of FACTS , Stephen unpacks the greatest mistake made in fundamentalist circles regarding sexual purity . While their efforts to guard young people’s sexuality aim to protect future marriages, they often miss the deeper teaching of sacrament . Stephen explores why sexual purity isn’t just about preserving desires for a future spouse—it’s about preparing for a future sacramental covenant . Tune in to hear how this bigger picture transforms the way we think about purity, marriage, a...
Feb 18, 2025•49 min
On this episode of FACTS , Stephen dives into the question: Should the See of Rome be the leader of all Apostolic Sees? Can this be demonstrated from the New Testament ? What about before Vatican I ? Join the discussion as we explore the historical and biblical case for Rome’s primacy. Be sure to check it out and share your thoughts! #FACTSPodcast #ChurchHistory #ApostolicSee #Rome #BibleStudy #EarlyChurch #VaticanI #ChristianTheology #CatholicVsOrthodox #ChurchFathers...
Feb 10, 2025•45 min
In this episode of FACTS with Stephen and Tyler, we are honored to welcome special guest Bishop Darryl Fitzwater for a deep dive into how Anglicans should view the Blessed Virgin Mary. In part one of this two-part series, we explore key doctrines surrounding Mary, including the Immaculate Conception, her Perpetual Virginity, and the Bodily Assumption. Join us as we examine these teachings from theological, historical, and scriptural perspectives, shedding light on their significance for Anglican...
Feb 03, 2025•56 min
In this episode of FACTS with Stephen and Tyler, we are honored to welcome special guest Bishop Darryl Fitzwater for a deep dive into how Anglicans should view the Blessed Virgin Mary. In part one of this two-part series, we explore key doctrines surrounding Mary, including the Immaculate Conception, her Perpetual Virginity, and the Bodily Assumption. Join us as we examine these teachings from theological, historical, and scriptural perspectives, shedding light on their significance for Anglican...
Jan 27, 2025•59 min
In this episode of Liturgy and the Canon: A Deeper Look at Sacred Texts , we explore the significance of understanding the early Church’s approach to biblical lists and how they shaped the canon of Scripture. I discuss why texts like 1 Clement , the Epistle of Barnabas , and the Shepherd of Hermas appeared in the manuscripts of early Christian communities and what this tells us about the development of the New Testament canon. We delve into the historical context of these writings, why they were...
Jan 20, 2025•49 min
In this episode of FACTS , Dr. Boyce will dive into Malachi 1:11 , exploring its prophetic connection to Eucharistic worship in the early Church. Dr. Boyce will investigate how this Old Testament passage foreshadows the practices of Christian Eucharist, as seen through the writings of early Church Fathers such as Justin Martyr , Irenaeus , Tertullian , Hippolytus , and Athanasius . By examining these early theological voices, Dr. Boyce will highlight how they recognized the fulfillment of Malach...
Jan 13, 2025•39 min
In this episode, Dr. Stephen Boyce is joined by author and podcaster Erick Ybarra to discuss Dr. Gavin Ortlund’s recent video addressing Matthew 16 and the papacy. They explore whether Augustine of Hippo believed that Peter was the “rock” on which Christ built His Church and if this supports the papal office as understood in Catholic theology. Join us for a deep dive into Scripture, Church history, and Augustine’s writings as we examine one of the most debated passages in Christian theology. Her...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 27 min
In this episode of FACTS, we explore a fascinating question: How would the ancient Church view today’s evangelicalism? As we delve into the theological, liturgical, and ecclesiastical differences between the early Christian Church and modern evangelicalism, we examine key aspects like orthopraxy, the role of the sacraments, church authority, and the unity of the Christian body. Join us as we uncover what the ancient Church might say about the rise of modern evangelical practices and beliefs—and ...
Dec 30, 2024•40 min
In this episode of FACTS, Dr. Stephen Boyce explores the mystery of the Prayer of Manasseh—a powerful apocryphal text. Is it an ancient relic of King Manasseh’s repentance or a later theological creation? Join us as we unpack its origins, significance, and what it reveals about God’s mercy and human redemption. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on one of the great liturgical prayers! 🔔 Like, subscribe, and share! What are your thoughts on the Prayer of Manasseh? #PrayerOfManasseh #FACTS #Dr...
Dec 24, 2024•39 min
In this episode, we explore the writings of Daniel, including the intriguing additions of Bel and the Dragon , The Story of Susanna , and The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Jewish Boys . Are these texts inspired parts of Scripture, historical additions, or theological reflections from a later time? Dr. Stephen Boyce and Anglican autodidact Jonathan Sheffield will examine their significance, the debates surrounding their place in the canon, and what they reveal about faith, tradition...
Dec 17, 2024•57 min
Is Psalm 151 an inspired part of the biblical canon or an apocryphal addition? Join us as we dive deep into this intriguing question with Dr. Stephen Boyce from the podcast FACTS. We explore the origins of Psalm 151, its inclusion in some ancient biblical manuscripts, and why it’s absent from most modern Bibles. Discover the history, theology, and canonical debates surrounding this mysterious psalm. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation about Scripture, tradition, and the boundaries of ...
Dec 11, 2024•40 min
In this episode of FACTS, Dr. Stephen Boyce dives into the fascinating textual history of the Book of Esther. Was the original version the shorter Hebrew text or the longer Greek version found in the Septuagint? Exploring the use of the Greek version by early churches, including Clement of Rome, and Jerome’s struggle with it in the Latin Vulgate, Dr. Boyce examines the external manuscript evidence, internal textual details, and historical context. From debates over Haman’s ancestry to the name o...
Dec 02, 2024•39 min
