
FACTS
FACTS is a podcast that was started by Dr. Stephen Boyce from Greenville, South Carolina. The primary focus of this program is to cover historical content about the early church Fathers, the Apocryphal accounts, the canon, textual criticism, and the scripture itself. Most episodes are co-hosted by Tyler West, among other special guests who are invited on the program.
For those who would like to donate to our podcast, here is the link. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your all of your support. Grace and Peace https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7
Latest episodes

Apr 20, 2025 • 45min
Four Witnesses, One Resurrection
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 is risen indeed.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7#Resurrection #HeIsRisen #FourGospels #EmptyTomb #GospelWitness #EasterSunday #BiblicalStudies #Apologetics #ChristianPodcast #FACTSPodcast #HistoricalJesus #BibleHarmony #GospelComparison #MatthewMarkLukeJohn

Apr 14, 2025 • 32min
One of Rome’s First Architects: The Story of St. Anacletus
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 the early Church. Join us as we rediscover the legacy of this early shepherd of the faith and his enduring impact on Church governance.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #StAnacletus #ChristianPodcast #ParishStructure #EarlyChurch #TheologyPodcast #ChurchHistory #ChurchHistoryPodcast #BishopOfRome #FACTSPodcast #Patristics #ApostolicSuccession #AncientChurch #Martyrdom #ChurchFathers

Apr 7, 2025 • 60min
Will the Real Ignatius Please Stand Up? Evaluating the Recensions with Ignatian Scholar Jack Bull
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 each recension. From the minimalist Syriac tradition to the highly stylized Marian expansions of the Long Recension, what do these versions tell us about the evolution of early Christian thought—and about the editorial hands that shaped it?If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 Here is a link to Jack's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PatristicaHere is a link to the Syriac Short Recension: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/syriac-versions-of-the-ignatian-epistles-20958Here is a link to the Middle and Long: https://ccel.org/ccel/ignatius_antioch/epistles_of_ignatius/anf01.v.html#IgnatiusOfAntioch#TextualTradition#EarlyChristianity#Patristics#ChurchFathers#ShortRecension#MiddleRecension#LongRecension#SyriacChristianity#MartyrdomTheology#HistoricalTheology#AncientChurch#JackBull#DrBoyce#TheFACTSPodcast#IgnatianLetters#ManuscriptStudies#ChristianOrigins#TheologyPodcast#EarlyChurchDebates

Mar 30, 2025 • 37min
Give Back To The Church Her Ancient Strength
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 the anchor of apostolic tradition. What did these saints see in the Church that compelled such urgent appeals—and what might we recover from their words in 2025?If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #EarlyChurch #StBasil #StJerome #ChurchUnity #ApostolicTradition #AncientFaith #Patristics #ChurchFathers #Ecclesiology #CatholicHeritage #OrthodoxFaith #TheologyPodcast #Bishopric #UnityInTruth #FaithAndTradition

Mar 24, 2025 • 31min
St. Linus and the Rise of the Bishopric
In this episode of The FACTS Podcast, we explore the life and legacy of St. Linus, the second Bishop of Rome and the immediate successor to St. Peter. Who was Linus, and what role did he play in shaping the early structure of the Church? We’ll examine the historical evidence surrounding his bishopric, his connection to Peter and Paul, and how his leadership helped solidify the emerging concept of the bishopric. We’ll also consider how early church historians, including Irenaeus and Eusebius, viewed Linus’s role in the transition from apostolic authority to the early episcopal model. Join us as we uncover the story of St. Linus and his influence on the foundation of the Catholic Church.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #StLinus #EarlyChurch #ChurchHistory #Papacy #Bishopric #ApostolicSuccession #ChristianHistory #CatholicHistory #PeterAndLinus #EarlyChristianity #ChurchFathers #Rome #FaithAndTradition #TheFACTSPodcast

Mar 17, 2025 • 39min
Did Ignatius Believe Jesus was God in the Flesh?
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 Christ — or were later scribes and translators softening his radical Christology? Tune in to uncover the evidence and discover why Ignatius’s view of Jesus remains central to early Christian theology.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #IgnatiusOfAntioch #EarlyChurch #Christology #JesusIsGod #ChurchFathers #ChristianHistory #BloodOfGod #Ephesians #Romans #FACTSPodcast #HistoricalTheology #EarlyChristianity #Patristics #DivinityOfChrist

Mar 10, 2025 • 50min
Was the Bishopric a Creation of the Eastern Churches? A Response to James White
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 whether the absence of a direct reference to a bishop in Rome necessarily supports White’s conclusion. Tune in for a thoughtful and well-researched discussion on the origins of episcopal leadership in the early Church.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #ChurchHistory #EarlyChurch #IgnatiusOfAntioch #Bishopric #JamesWhite #CatholicVsProtestant #ApostolicSuccession #EasternChurch #WesternChurch #ChristianTheology #BiblicalDebate #ChurchFathers #ChristianPodcast #Orthodoxy #HistoricalTheology

Mar 3, 2025 • 60min
Purgatory Is For Real: An Interview with Dr. Karlo Broussard
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 role of suffering, prayers for the dead, and why he sees purgatory as a hopeful rather than a fearful reality.Join us for a thought-provoking conversation as we examine these claims and their implications for Christian belief.🔹 Listen now! 🔹Here is a link to Dr. Broussard's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Purgatory-Real-About-Afterlife-Perfect/dp/168357186X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21UOGYB1G69R5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q2FWltv_7mN--dDyO5lk7NwfkyJYP-UoQzfbXzMlieEWBXwvcic7tEqo0pwYA4XY7fBJ0HjUI6TlWBoFwiDwXNbo3NXrHhklVYa3YMVpaxiIoCEH7Pv1QrE6CFz7q08v.AZLHKkkLVh-0V991Kp4DtsRlgKEeNErEXRRPfbtLPDU&dib_tag=se&keywords=purgatory+is+for+real+karlo+broussard&qid=1740622991&sprefix=purgatory+is+for+real+%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #PurgatoryIsForReal #CatholicTheology #KarloBroussard #ChristianDoctrine #Apologetics #ChurchHistory #FaithAndReason

Feb 24, 2025 • 35min
Romephobia: Overcoming the Fear of Looking Too Catholic
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 historical terms that were once common across Christendom but have been unfairly labeled as exclusively Roman. From the use of “Eucharist” and “bishop” to beliefs about the Real Presence and apostolic succession, we’ll uncover how these elements belong to the historic Church, not just the Roman Church.Is it time to move past Romephobia and reclaim what rightfully belongs to the whole Church? Tune in as we separate historical fact from modern misconceptions.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #Romephobia #ChurchHistory #AncientChurch #ChristianTradition #Eucharist #ApostolicSuccession #Liturgy #Theology #ChurchUnity #HistoricChristianity #CatholicVsProtestant #ChristianApologetics #FaithAndTradition #Orthodoxy #AnglicanTheology

Feb 18, 2025 • 49min
The Fundamentalists Got It Half Right on Sexual Purity
Dive into the complexities of sexual purity as the podcast critiques fundamentalist views that often overlook deeper sacramental teachings. It challenges conventional definitions of marriage, urging a move beyond mere abstinence to embracing the beauty of unity in relationships. The discussion emphasizes the sanctity of the marital covenant, advocating for open dialogue about desire. Celebrate the profound purposes of committed partnerships, redefining sexual purity as a sacred journey intertwined with God's grace.
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