The Jimmy Akin Podcast
Ever wondered about the mysterious and obscure aspects of the Catholic faith? Dive into our podcast where Jimmy pushes the boundaries of apologetics, blending insights from various fields. Ready for an accessible, informative, and entertaining journey?
Episodes
#090 Symbols in Revelation - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin reveals how the symbols in Revelation are best understood through their Old Testament roots and first-century context—not modern headlines.
#089 Dialogue on Purgatory and Indulgences - Jimmy Akin
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.
#088 The Number of Jesus’ Name - Jimmy Akin
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.
#087 What “Christ” REALLY Means – The Shocking Truth About the Anointed One - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin explores the ancient meaning of “Christ” and “Messiah,” revealing how these titles shaped Jesus’ identity and still matter today.
#086 Can Christians Believe in Ghosts? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#085 Did Lions Eat Meat Before the Fall? The Shocking Truth About Adam’s Sin - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin explains why suffering, carnivores, and childbirth existed before the Fall—and how science and theology fit together.
#084 Pentecost Tongues: Real Languages or Private Prayer? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#083 Did Jesus Fly Into Space? The Shocking Truth About His Ascension - Jimmy Akin
In this episode, Jimmy Akin explores the Ascension of Jesus, explaining its biblical symbolism, cosmic meaning, and significance for faith today.
#082 A Logical Problem for Purgatory? (feat. Gospel Simplicity) - Jimmy Akin
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.
#081 What’s Missing from the Book of Acts? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#080 What does the Church Say About Early Genesis? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#079 Domitian & the Persecution That DIDN’T Happen - Jimmy Akin
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.
#074 Faith Delivered “Once For All” - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin masterfully dismantles the claim that "the faith once for all delivered to the saints" means all revelation is in Scripture alone.
#077 Elijah’s Journey: 40 Days & 40 Nights? (Bible Numbers) - Jimmy Akin
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.
#076 Frank Turek on the Bible & the Church - Jimmy Akin
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.
#075 Resurrection Debate Debrief - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin analyzes his debate with skeptic James Fodor on Jesus’ resurrection, examining arguments, probabilities, and alternative theories in a thoughtful, evidence-focused discussion.
#074 3 Teachings Not In The Bible - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin shows that key Protestant beliefs aren’t taught in Scripture alone, revealing the hidden role of Tradition.
#073 Did Jesus Have a Miraculous Birth? - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin explores early Christian sources and Church teaching to examine whether Jesus’ birth involved additional miracles beyond the virgin conception.
#072 What Is the Word of God? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#071 Who Was Jesus’ Grandfather? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#070 Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#069 What Are Blessings? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#068 When Was the Book of Revelation Written? - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin examines whether Revelation dates to the 60s or the 90s AD, using early Church clues and Nero-era symbolism.
#067 The Sign of Peace: What Are We Supposed to Do? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#066 Who Is the Antichrist? - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin explores what the Antichrist really is—biblical, theological, and prophetic—drawing on Scripture and Church teaching to separate fact from fiction.
#065 Does Jesus’ Childhood Make Sense? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#064 When was the Gospel of Mark written? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#063 When Were Luke and Acts Written? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#062 Can You Pray After Communion? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#061 Which Gospel Was Written First - Jimmy Akin
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.
#060 Who Are the Nephilim? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#059 Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? DEBATE! - Jimmy Akin
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.
#058 The Mystery of the Bible Codex - Jimmy Akin
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.
#057 What Is the Synoptic Problem? (Three Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke) - Jimmy Akin
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.
#056 What Is Heresy? - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin unpacks what “heresy” truly means in Catholic theology, cutting through misconceptions with insights from Aquinas, Canon Law, and Cardinal Müller.
#055 Christianity vs. Racism! - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin confronts racism from a Christian perspective, exposing its falsehoods through Scripture and highlighting God’s universal love for all people.
#054 “Praying to the Saints,” “Omniscience,” and Jordan Cooper - Jimmy Akin
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.
#053 The Book of Revelation - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin unpacks the mysteries of Revelation—its symbols, purpose, authorship, and prophetic warnings—while challenging popular “end-times” theories.
#052 When Was Abraham Justified? (1st Anniversary Special!) - Jimmy Akin
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.
#051 Death Dynasty! Who Were the Herods? - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin explores the dark, violent, and power-hungry saga of the Herodian dynasty and their encounters with Jesus and the early Christians.
#050 When Were the Gospels Written? (featuring Adolf von Harnack and Bart Ehrman) - Jimmy Akin
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.
#049 The Tetramorph: 4 Mysterious Symbols! - Jimmy Akin
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.
#048 What Day Was Jesus Crucified? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#047 TEAM EHRMAN: Did Mary Consent to Jesus’ Birth? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#046 The Gospel and the Gospels - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy explores why the first Christians called Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John “Gospels” instead of “Lives of Christ.”
#045 Good Works on Judgment Day! - Jimmy Akin
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”
#044 Dan McClellan & Jesus’ Crucifixion - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin responds to Dan McClellan’s skeptical claims about the Crucifixion’s historicity and its date.
#043 TEAM EHRMAN: When Were the Gospels Written? - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin responds to Dr. Robyn Walsh’s arguments on Gospel dating and shows they lack evidential support.
#042 What JESUS Teaches About HIS Church! - Jimmy Akin
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.
#041 St. Peter: What NOBODY Knows! - Jimmy Akin
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
#040 “Faith Alone”: What EVERYBODY Gets WRONG! - Jimmy Akin
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.
#039 Who Was the Young Man Who Ran Away Naked? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#038 I Have More ASSURANCE Than Gavin Ortlund - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin responds to Gavin Ortlund’s claim about Protestant assurance of salvation by arguing that Catholics actually have greater assurance before God.
#037 The Church’s FIVE Foundations - Jimmy Akin
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.
#036 Is St. Peter REALLY the Rock? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#035 Bart Ehrman & Why Joseph Went to Bethlehem - Jimmy Akin
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.
#034 4 Popes Meet the World! - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin examines how the first public moments of recent popes—before they even speak—reveal key insights about their character and papal style.
#033 Bart Ehrman & Women Apostles - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin explores whether Romans 16:7 refers to a female apostle named Junia, examining the evidence, alternate views, and potential implications.
#032 5 Books that Almost Made It into the Bible - Jimmy Akin
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.
#031 When Did the Jewish Day Begin? (Plus: Vigil Masses!) - Jimmy Akin
Catholics can attend Saturday evening Mass to fulfill their Sunday obligation, a practice rooted in the Jewish tradition of days beginning at sunset.
#030 Why Can’t Everyone Receive the Eucharist? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#029 What Can’t You Do on Sunday? - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy Akin explores what the Bible and Church law say about doing physical labor, shopping, or buying gas on Sunday.
#028 Why Are the Gospels Called “Gospels”? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#027 What Is the Gospel? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#026 N.T. Wright & the Priesthood of All Believers - Jimmy Akin
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.
#025 James White vs. Mary’s Prayers - Jimmy Akin
Jimmy examines his discussion with James White on whether Mary knows of intercessory prayers, evaluating White’s arguments against biblical evidence.
#024 The Mystery of the Heart - Jimmy Akin
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.
#023 Gavin Ortlund & The Papacy - Jimmy Akin
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 c
#022 Do Muslims Worship God? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#021 Sola Scriptura: Trying Something New - Jimmy Akin
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.
#020 The Mysterious Marys?
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.
#019 Wes Huff—Adding or Deleting Books from the Bible? - Jimmy Akin
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 form
#018 “Jesus Wept” - Jimmy Akin
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.
#017 Can Mary Hear Your Prayers? - Jimmy Akin
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—e
#016 The Prayers of Angels - Jimmy Akin
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.
#015 No Room in the Inn - 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.
#014 Mary Was Absolutely Sinless! - Jimmy Akin
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!
#013 Jesus Cleansing the Temple—Why and When? - Jimmy Akin
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!
#012 Is Everything Predestined? - Jimmy Akin
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.
#011 Arguments from Silence - Jimmy Akin
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.
