FACTS

Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? Few books in the New Testament have generated more discussion than Hebrews. Unlike Paul’s letters, the author never identifies himself, leaving Christians for centuries to debate its origin.In this episode, we examine the earliest historical testimony from the Church, the internal evidence of the letter itself, and the leading candidates—including Paul, Luke, Clement of Rome, Barnabas, and others. We’ll look at what Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Jerome had to say, while comparing those traditions with the text of Hebrews itself.We’ll also explore:* Why Hebrews is considered Scripture despite its anonymous authorship.* The evidence for its audience and historical setting.* Whether it was written before or after the destruction of the Temple in AD 70.* The central message of Hebrews: Jesus is greater—greater than the angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, the sacrificial system, and the old covenant.Whether you’re new to Hebrews or have studied it for years, this episode will help you understand why this remarkable book has remained one of the Church’s most treasured writings despite the mystery surrounding its human author.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in biblical history, the early Church, and the New Testament.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7#Hebrews #BibleStudy #ChurchHistory #NewTestament #BiblicalStudies #EarlyChurch #Christianity #Paul #Apologetics #theFACTSPodcast

For centuries, critics have claimed that the Catholic Church either supported slavery or remained silent in the face of it. But what does the historical evidence actually say?In this episode, we examine Sicut Dudum, the 1435 papal bull of Pope Eugene IV, issued nearly sixty years before Columbus reached the Americas. In response to the enslavement of the inhabitants of the Canary Islands, Eugene IV ordered that those unjustly enslaved be restored to their freedom and threatened those who refused with excommunication.We’ll examine:* The historical context of the conquest of the Canary Islands.* What Sicut Dudum actually says.* Whether Pope Eugene IV truly excommunicated slave traders.* How this document fits into the broader history of Catholic teaching on slavery.* Common misconceptions about the Church’s historical position.Rather than relying on modern talking points, we’ll read the primary source itself and place it within its proper historical context.Primary Source:https://www.papalencyclicals.net/eugene04/eugene04sicut.htmIf you enjoy historically grounded discussions on Church history, theology, and primary sources, be sure to subscribe.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7#Catholic #ChurchHistory #Slavery #PopeEugeneIV #SicutDudum #History #CatholicAnswers #Apologetics #MedievalHistory #FACTSPodcast

Why does Scripture call Jesus the Lamb of God? Was it merely a metaphor, or is it the key that unlocks the entire story of redemption?

In this episode, we trace the biblical theology of the Lamb from Genesis to Revelation. Beginning with the first sacrifices after the Fall, we follow the thread through Abel, Noah, Abraham, the Passover, the Tabernacle, the Temple, and the prophets, showing that biblical worship has always been sacrificial at its core.

We then examine John the Baptist’s declaration: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Why did he identify Jesus this way? How does Christ fulfill the Passover? Why does John’s Gospel carefully structure the Passion around the slaughter of the Passover lambs? And what does Revelation’s vision of the Lamb standing as though slain reveal about worship in heaven?

Along the way, we’ll explore the testimony of the Church Fathers, including Melito of Sardis, Irenaeus, Cyprian, Chrysostom, and Leo the Great, who all saw Christ as the fulfillment of every sacrificial type in Scripture.

Most importantly, we’ll consider what Revelation 5 reveals about the heavenly liturgy and how the worship of heaven centers forever upon the Lamb who was slain and now reigns. The Lamb is not merely part of the Christian story—He is its center.

From Cain and Abel to the heavenly throne room, Scripture points to one reality:

The Lamb who was slain now stands forever, receiving the worship of all creation.

If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

#AgnusDei #LambOfGod #Catholic #Eucharist #Mass #BookOfRevelation #Passover #JesusChrist #ChurchFathers #BiblicalTheology #Christianity #CatholicPodcast #FACTSwithStephenBoyce #JohnTheBaptist #Revelation5 #HeavenlyLiturgy #Sacrifice #Worship #BibleStudy #CatholicFaith

The Southern Baptist Convention recently voted to move forward with a constitutional amendment formally prohibiting women from serving as pastors. In this episode, I examine the SBC’s decision, the reaction it sparked, and why I believe they arrived at the correct conclusion—but for the wrong reasons.

Using the SBC article and Pope St. John Paul II’s Ordinatio Sacerdotalis as a point of comparison, I explore a much deeper question: What is the nature of the ministerial office in the Church, and who has the authority to define it?

The problem with the SBC’s position is not necessarily its conclusion regarding women’s ordination. The problem is that within a Baptist framework, the debate ultimately becomes an issue of biblical interpretation. If Scripture alone is the final authority, and individual churches or denominations possess the authority to interpret it differently, then the argument over women’s ordination becomes difficult to settle in any lasting way.

Historically, the Church’s rejection of women’s ordination was not based solely on isolated proof texts. It was rooted in a sacramental understanding of the priesthood, apostolic succession, ecclesiastical authority, and a consistent tradition maintained throughout Christian history in both East and West. The early Church Fathers, the historic episcopate, and the universal practice of Christianity all provide a much broader framework than a simple appeal to competing interpretations of Scripture.

In this episode, we’ll examine the SBC vote, the theological assumptions behind it, what Ordinatio Sacerdotalis actually argues, and why the larger issue is not women’s ordination itself—but the authority of the Church to define and preserve the offices Christ established.

If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

#SouthernBaptistConvention #WomensOrdination #WomenPastors #OrdinatioSacerdotalis #CatholicChurch #ChurchHistory #ChurchFathers #ApostolicSuccession #Ecclesiology #FACTSPodcast

In this episode of FACTS, we step into the fourth century and examine one of the most important witnesses to early Christian baptism: St. Ambrose of Milan.

Drawing directly from Chapters 2–4 of On the Mysteries, Ambrose takes us inside the baptismal rites of the ancient Church and explains what newly baptized Christians experienced as they entered the waters of regeneration. Far from viewing baptism as a mere symbol, Ambrose presents it as a sacrament through which God truly acts—washing away sins, imparting new life, and incorporating believers into Christ.

In this study, Stephen Boyce and Pat May explore:

• Why Ambrose compares baptism to the crossing of the Red Sea
• The significance of renouncing Satan before entering the waters
• How Ambrose interprets Old Testament events as foreshadowing Christian baptism
• The connection between baptism, forgiveness of sins, and spiritual rebirth
• Why Ambrose believed baptism accomplished something real, not merely symbolic
• What his testimony reveals about the faith and practice of the fourth-century Church

Whether you are Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or simply interested in the history of Christianity, Ambrose’s words provide a remarkable window into how the early Church understood the sacrament of baptism.

If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

Here is a link to the Mysteries:https://ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf210/npnf210.iv.v.iii.html

#StAmbrose #Baptism #ChurchFathers #EarlyChurch #Catholic #Orthodox #ChristianHistory #Patristics #AncientChristianity #FACTSPodcast