FACTS

Will there really be a Third Temple in Jerusalem? Or has the Temple already been fulfilled in Christ? In this episode,  Stephen Boyce and Pat May  examine one of the most debated questions in Bible prophecy. We’ll explore why a  physical third temple is unnecessary  and how  Jesus Himself is the final Temple , as revealed in  John’s Gospel (John 2:19-21)  and  Revelation (21-22) . We’ll also expos...

Isaiah 7:14 declares, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” But was Isaiah pointing to Mary and the birth of Jesus—or someone else in his own day? In this episode, we explore the historical context of Isaiah’s prophecy, King Ahaz’s crisis, the meaning of the Hebrew word ‘almâh, and the different interpretations that have been offered throughout histo...

The Book of Enoch has fascinated Christians, historians, and conspiracy theorists alike. Quoted in the New Testament and preserved in ancient manuscripts, it raises the question: If it’s so important, why isn’t it in the Bible? In this episode, Stephen Boyce will break down the three major Enochic writings—1 Enoch, 2 Enoch, and 3 Enoch—exploring their origins, contents, and influence. We’ll cover...

Did the earliest Christians believe that salvation was permanent and irreversible? In this episode of  FACTS , Stephen Boyce, with special guest Jack Bull, examines what the  Apostolic Fathers  actually taught about  eternal security ,  falling away , and the necessity of  perseverance  in the faith. We explore key texts from the  Didache ,  1 Clement ,  2 Clement , the  Epistle of Barnabas ,  Ign...

In this episode of  FACTS , Stephen Boyce and Pat May explore one of the most striking Marian images in all of Scripture—Revelation 12. Was the Apostle John given a heavenly vision of the  bodily assumed Virgin Mary ? And is the  Queen of Heaven  not merely a title, but a reality rooted in biblical prophecy and fulfilled in Christ’s glorified Mother? Stephen and Pat walk through the imagery, theol...

In this episode, Pat and Stephen continue their deep dive into the Book of Revelation by exploring one of its most misunderstood passages—Revelation 7 and 14. Dispensationalist interpretations have long treated the 144,000 as a literal number of ethnic Jews, but this reading misses the rich, symbolic, and liturgical meaning rooted in the Church’s historic understanding. Join us as we unpack the he...

In a recent video, Gavin Ortlund argues that the universal Church’s understanding of infant baptism is largely built on Augustine’s influence, suggesting that earlier views were inconsistent and unstable. In this episode, I challenge that claim head-on. By examining Pelagius’s letter to Pope Innocent I and the Council of Carthage’s response to the Donatists, we’ll see that the Church’s commitment...

In Episode 2, Pat and Stephen turn to both the Old Testament and New Testament to explore John’s breathtaking vision of heaven in the Book of Revelation. They discuss how this scene reveals the heavenly liturgy—the worship of God by angels, elders, and living creatures—and how it reflects the reality of the  communion of saints . From incense-filled prayers to the Lamb at the center of the throne,...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 fe...

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...

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, exam...

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 w...

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 th...

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 exi...

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...

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 o...

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 paris...

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? Togethe...

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 ecclesiastic...

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...

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 t...

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...