The Jimmy Akin Podcast

Jimmy Akin celebrates 100 episodes by answering your questions on the Tilma of Guadalupe, nuclear deterrence, ghosts, Schrödinger’s cat, evolution, Tobit, limbo, the Our Father, and Genesis.

Jimmy Akin explores the ancient origins of the Sign of the Cross, its biblical roots, why Christians make it differently, and what the gesture really means.

Two lost sermons from St. Augustine shed new light on the mysterious Medium of Endor, the identity of Samuel’s ghost, and even the possibility of Saul’s salvation.

Jimmy Akin responds to Gavin Ortlund’s attack on Catholic relics, exposing a Trent misquote and showing the biblical case for honoring relics.

Jimmy Akin examines the JEDP hypothesis and the evidence for the traditional view that Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible.

How Old Testament Prophecy Points to Jesus: Jimmy Akin uncovers the ancient prophecies that reveal Jesus as the promised Messiah.

The SSPX has consecrated four bishops against the Pope’s orders, and Jimmy Akin explains the resulting excommunications, the history, and what this renewed schism means for Catholics today.

Jimmy Akin presents compelling evidence that the Gospel of Matthew was written around A.D. 63, challenging the common scholarly view of a much later date.

Jimmy Akin explores God's everlasting covenant with David, revealing how it established an eternal royal line that ultimately points to the Messiah.

Jimmy Akin presents compelling evidence that the Gospel of John was written around A.D. 65, challenging the late-date theory with fresh eyewitness and historical evidence.

Jimmy Akin reveals how the symbols in Revelation are best understood through their Old Testament roots and first-century context—not modern headlines.

Jimmy Akin joins Austin Suggs for a lively and respectful conversation exploring purgatory, indulgences, Catholic–Protestant common ground, doctrinal development, and even reports of souls from purgatory.

Jimmy Akin explains how early Christians used gematria to see Jesus’ Greek name, Iesous, as totaling 888—a symbol of resurrection and new creation that contrasts with the beast’s 666.

Jimmy Akin explores the ancient meaning of “Christ” and “Messiah,” revealing how these titles shaped Jesus’ identity and still matter today.

In this episode, Jimmy Akin critiques Gavin Ortlund’s video with biblical, historical, and real-world evidence about ghosts, purgatory, apparitions, and after-death communications.

Jimmy Akin explains why suffering, carnivores, and childbirth existed before the Fall—and how science and theology fit together.

In this episode, Jimmy Akin unpacks Acts 2 to show how Pentecost revealed a miraculous gift of real languages and marked the beginning of the Church’s worldwide mission.

In this episode, Jimmy Akin explores the Ascension of Jesus, explaining its biblical symbolism, cosmic meaning, and significance for faith today.

Jimmy Akin charitably responds to a Protestant critique of purgatory and indulgences, explaining how Catholic teaching on sanctification, grace, and prayer brings surprising clarity and unity to the debate.

This episode of The Jimmy Akin Podcast explores the dramatic events omitted from Acts—like Paul’s hardships, shipwrecks, and clash with Peter—and why Luke left them out.

This episode explains how the Catholic Church interprets Genesis 1–11 as conveying real truths through figurative language, rejecting both strict literalism and pure fiction.

Jimmy Akin debunks the myth of Domitian’s persecution of Christians and argues that Revelation was actually written earlier, around 68–69 AD, during Nero’s era.

Jimmy Akin masterfully dismantles the claim that "the faith once for all delivered to the saints" means all revelation is in Scripture alone.

Jimmy uncovers why biblical numbers like 40 aren't always literal—using Elijah's "40 days and 40 nights" journey to Horeb as an insightful case study.

Jimmy Akin analyzes a lively debate between Frank Turek and Catholic student Chase on the Bible and Church, offering fair insights, praise, and thoughtful critiques.

Jimmy Akin analyzes his debate with skeptic James Fodor on Jesus’ resurrection, examining arguments, probabilities, and alternative theories in a thoughtful, evidence-focused discussion.

Jimmy Akin shows that key Protestant beliefs aren’t taught in Scripture alone, revealing the hidden role of Tradition.

Jimmy Akin explores early Christian sources and Church teaching to examine whether Jesus’ birth involved additional miracles beyond the virgin conception.

Jimmy Akin’s inductive study examines every Bible verse using “word of God” and argues that Scripture refers not to the Bible itself, but primarily to divine revelation through preaching, prophecy, commands, and Jesus.

Jimmy Akin explores the apparent contradiction between Matthew and Luke about Jesus’ grandfather, presenting five possible explanations and concluding that early family tradition resolves the issue.

In this episode of The Jimmy Akin Podcast, Jimmy Akin explores why Jesus used parables in Mark 4 and how they reveal deeper truth while honoring human freedom.

Jimmy Akin reveals what blessings really are, who can give them, how they work, and why every baptized Christian is called to be a blessing.

Jimmy Akin examines whether Revelation dates to the 60s or the 90s AD, using early Church clues and Nero-era symbolism.

Join Jimmy Akin as he explains why the Sign of Peace is optional, clears up common myths, and offers pressure-free alternatives rooted in Church law and history.

Jimmy Akin explores what the Antichrist really is—biblical, theological, and prophetic—drawing on Scripture and Church teaching to separate fact from fiction.

Jimmy Akin shows how Matthew’s and Luke’s infancy accounts about Jesus fit into a single, contradiction-free timeline—debunking the traditional nativity scene and transforming how you see Christmas.

Jimmy Akin investigates whether Mark was the first Gospel and presents evidence that it was written remarkably early—possibly as early as A.D. 53—reshaping how we understand the New Testament.

Jimmy Akin argues, based on strong evidence and Acts’ abrupt ending, that Luke (A.D. 59) and Acts (A.D. 60) were written during Paul’s Roman house arrest, supporting surprisingly early dates and Gospel credibility.

Jimmy Akin refutes Fr. Casey Cole’s claim that private post-Communion prayer is inappropriate and everyone must sing, showing through official Church instructions that the faithful are free to pray silently after receiving Communion.

Mark was likely written first—an unpolished, eyewitness-based Gospel rather than a cliff-notes version of Matthew—because the evidence shows Augustine’s “epitome” theory doesn’t hold up.

Jimmy Akin explores Genesis 6 to argue—using ancient sources, Jude, and Aquinas—that the Nephilim were giant offspring of fallen angels and humans while debunking alternate theories.

Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? Jimmy Akin debates skeptic James Fodor, arguing that the Resurrection best explains the empty tomb, appearances, and ascension in a witty, rigorous exchange.

Jimmy Akin uncovers how early Christians revolutionized reading by adopting the codex, tracing clues from ancient manuscripts to reveal the mystery behind the Bible’s earliest book form.

Jimmy Akin unravels the Synoptic Problem—exploring why Matthew, Mark, and Luke are so alike—and reveals his bold take on which Gospel came first.

Jimmy Akin unpacks what “heresy” truly means in Catholic theology, cutting through misconceptions with insights from Aquinas, Canon Law, and Cardinal Müller.

Jimmy Akin confronts racism from a Christian perspective, exposing its falsehoods through Scripture and highlighting God’s universal love for all people.

Jimmy Akin takes on Lutheran pastor Jordan Cooper on whether praying to saints makes them “almost omniscient,” using Scripture, theology, and science to expose flaws and defend Catholic teaching.

Jimmy Akin unpacks the mysteries of Revelation—its symbols, purpose, authorship, and prophetic warnings—while challenging popular “end-times” theories.

Jimmy Akin’s first anniversary podcast episode explores the question of when Abraham was justified, drawing on Genesis, Romans, James, and Hebrews with rich biblical insight and storytelling.

Jimmy Akin explores the dark, violent, and power-hungry saga of the Herodian dynasty and their encounters with Jesus and the early Christians.

Jimmy Akin shows how even liberal scholar Adolf von Harnack concluded that Matthew, Mark, and Luke were written just decades after Christ, despite common claims that the Gospels were composed much later.

In this episode, Jimmy Akin explores the origins and meaning of the Tetramorph—the four symbols of man, lion, ox, and eagle in Christian art.

Jimmy Akin examines claims that Jesus was crucified on a Wednesday and shows what the Gospels actually reveal about the true day of the Crucifixion.

In this episode, the host responds to Joe Rogan’s guest James Talarico and Robyn Walsh’s misuse of the Annunciation by showing what Luke’s account really says and why it doesn’t support their claims.

Jimmy explores why the first Christians called Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John “Gospels” instead of “Lives of Christ.”

Jimmy explains that Scripture shows eternal life is a reward for those who cooperate with God’s grace through good works, countering the Protestant “faith alone”

Jimmy Akin responds to Dan McClellan’s skeptical claims about the Crucifixion’s historicity and its date.

Jimmy Akin responds to Dr. Robyn Walsh’s arguments on Gospel dating and shows they lack evidential support.

Jesus mentions his “Church” only twice in the Gospels, but these passages reveal much about how he saw it compared to modern non-Catholic ideas.

Protestants often reject the idea that Jesus formally made Peter the leader of the apostles, but in this episode, Jimmy Akin shows that three Gospels clearly present Peter in this unique role and explains why the fourth does not.Ask ChatGPT

Jimmy Akin clarifies in this video that the common claim “Protestants believe in faith alone and Catholics in faith and works” is a misleading oversimplification of what each actually teaches about justification.

Jimmy Akin explores the mysterious story of the naked young man in Mark’s Gospel and uncovers surprising clues about his identity and why his name is left out.

Jimmy Akin responds to Gavin Ortlund’s claim about Protestant assurance of salvation by arguing that Catholics actually have greater assurance before God.

Jimmy Akin explains how the New Testament presents five foundations of the Church, showing that while Christ is central, Scripture also names Peter, the apostles, prophets, and more as part of the Church’s foundation.

Jimmy Akin shares the pivotal discovery that led to his conversion and proves that St. Peter is the rock on which Jesus built his Church.

Skeptics question the differing accounts of Joseph’s hometown in Matthew and Luke, but Jimmy Akin offers a simple, text-based explanation showing they can be reconciled.

Jimmy Akin examines how the first public moments of recent popes—before they even speak—reveal key insights about their character and papal style.

Jimmy Akin explores whether Romans 16:7 refers to a female apostle named Junia, examining the evidence, alternate views, and potential implications.

The Bible took centuries to form, as the Church—guided by the Holy Spirit—gradually discerned which books were Scripture, a process marked by early disagreement, as Jimmy Akin shows with five books that nearly made it in.

Catholics can attend Saturday evening Mass to fulfill their Sunday obligation, a practice rooted in the Jewish tradition of days beginning at sunset.

In this episode, Jimmy Akin explains why the Catholic Church does not practice Open Communion, addressing criticisms and showing how its approach is rooted in biblical principles.

Jimmy Akin explores what the Bible and Church law say about doing physical labor, shopping, or buying gas on Sunday.

Everyone knows the New Testament has four Gospels—biographies of Christ—but few ask why they're called "Gospels," and Jimmy Akin reveals the surprising reason in this episode.

Jimmy Akin explores various definitions of the gospel and explains the New Testament view that it's not about personal salvation but about Jesus Himself.

This episode explores whether the New Testament supports the "priesthood of all believers," revealing a surprising perspective on Christian priesthood and Protestant scholar N.T. Wright's stance.

Jimmy examines his discussion with James White on whether Mary knows of intercessory prayers, evaluating White’s arguments against biblical evidence.

Jimmy Akin examines the biblical and historical view of the heart as the seat of thoughts and emotions in light of modern neuroscience, cautioning against a strictly brain-centered perspective and exploring the deeper origins of consciousness.

In this episode, Jimmy responds to some arguments raised by Protestant apologist Gavin Ortlund, primarily concerning the papacy. Gavin claims that there was no bishop of Rome (pope) until well into the second century and that—even if we grant that Peter was the first pope—so much hangs on the idea that there are later popes that, if this were true, it needs to be taught in the New Testament. How can one respond to these claims? What does the historical evidence show? And does Gavin’s own system meet the test he is proposing?

In this video, Jimmy Akin explores where the claim that Muslims don’t worship God actually comes from and points out that this idea is not found in Catholic Tradition.

In this episode, Jimmy explores an idea that is seldom proposed in Protestant circles—the claim that their core principle of sola scriptura (“by Scripture alone”) is not actually a doctrine. Instead, it’s an interpretive principle.

For centuries Catholics have wondered about the relationship between Mary Magdalene and Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Many have said that they were the same person. But according to the Vatican, new studies have finally figured this issue out. What do these new studies reveal? And what impact have they had on the Church’s calendar? Jimmy Akin explains.

Wes Huff is a young Protestant apologist who has recently had a lot of success. He has admirable qualities, and he does better than many other Protestant apologists do.In this video, Jimmy Akin—in a friendly spirit of “iron sharpens iron” (Prov. 27:17)—take a look at both some of Wes’s strong points and his weak points, particularly when it comes to his knowledge of how the biblical canon was formed.

The shortest verse in the Bible is just two words: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35).Despite how short it is, this verse contains important lessons for all of us—both lessons about who Jesus was and lessons that we can apply in our own lives in times of crisis. Join Jimmy Akin as he explores the mysteries of the shortest verse in the Bible.

Protestant apologist James White recently declared that “Mary has no power on earth, has no idea you, or anyone else is praying to her, and hence that would be an utter waste of time and breath.”But former Protestant Jimmy Akin says that he would have questioned this claim even when he was still a Protestant.Why would Jimmy do that? What biblical reasons would he cite? And what does the evidence—even from a Protestant point of view—have to say?

The idea of asking saints and angels for intercession, often thought of as unique to Catholicism and Orthodoxy, actually has roots predating the Christian era, as explained by Jimmy Akin.

Our view of the first Christmas is shaped by art and tradition, and a common idea about it may be incorrect. Find out why on the Jimmy Akin podcast.

What happens when someone who’s new to the Faith thinks he understands a complex, technical matter and then tries to publicly shame someone who’s much more experienced? Let’s find out!

All four Gospels record the fact that Jesus cleared the temple in Jerusalem of buyers and sellers. Why did he do this? What’s more, when did he do this? Matthew, Mark, and Luke record him doing it at the end of his ministry, but John records him doing it at the beginning. In this episode, Jimmy Akin takes you through the biblical clues needed to understand this mysterious event!

Jimmy explores the controversial topic of predestination, examining Calvinist claims that God predestines all events, while challenging the biblical evidence often cited to support these views.

In this episode, Jimmy reveals why arguments from silence are so problematic and why the arguments used to support claims from skeptics just don’t work.

Jimmy looks at an unethical debater’s tactic known as the Gish Gallop, and how Protestant debater James White regularly uses it when he confronts other viewpoints.

Do our souls leave time when we die and go to be with God in heaven? And—if we are outside of time—are we already saints in heaven, right now? Prepare for some surprises!

Jimmy Akin shows what the ancient audiences actually believed about the way the Gospels convey truth, and it isn’t as simple as modern audiences assume.

Recently, some people have been claiming that the prophet Jonah actually died in the whale and then rose from the dead. But did he?

In this episode, Jimmy looks at Arminianism—the major rival to Calvinism when it comes to topics like grace, predestination, and free will in Protestant circles.

This week, Jimmy takes on a tough subject: The question of why God would create someone he knows is going to hell.

In this episode, Jimmy explores the the "Golden Chain" of salvation. Based on this concept, Calvinists claim that if one enters a state of grace, one will never leave it.

Here Jimmy discusses a common claim of many formerly Catholic Evangelicals—that they never heard about grace, forgiveness, Jesus, and the gospel at Catholic Masses.

Here Jimmy Akin explores how God’s foreknowledge works. Many people believe that if God knows our future actions, then we lack free will, but this is a misconception.