Did a Medieval Pope Excommunicate Slave Traders?

The Chair of St. Peter: From Moses’ Seat to Rome

For nearly 2,000 years, Christians have spoken of the Chair of St. Peter, but what exactly is it? Is it simply an ornate chair housed in St. Peter’s Basilica, or does it represent something far more significant? In this episode of FACTS with Stephen Boyce, we trace the biblical and historical origins of one of Christianity’s most misunderstood symbols of authority.Beginning with Moses’ Seat in Matthew 23, we’ll explore how Scripture presents the idea of a continuing teaching office before examining Isaiah 22, the Davidic steward, and Christ’s gift of the Keys to Peter in Matthew 16. From there, we’ll follow the evidence into the earliest centuries of the Church, examining the testimony of the Muratorian Fragment, Tertullian, Cyprian, Damasus, Augustine, and Leo the Great to see how the earliest Christians understood the Chair of Peter.We’ll also discuss why the phrase ex cathedra literally means “from the chair,” what Catholics actually mean by papal infallibility, and how this doctrine is rooted in the biblical concept of a continuing office rather than the personal holiness of any individual pope. Whether you’re Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or simply interested in Church history, this episode offers a historically grounded look at the evidence behind one of the most important doctrines in Christianity.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves studying Scripture and Church history. Your support helps us continue producing historically grounded content that strengthens Christians in their faith.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#ChairOfStPeter #SaintPeter #Papacy #Catholic #CatholicChurch #ChurchHistory #BibleStudy #Matthew16 #Matthew23 #Isaiah22 #ExCathedra #ApostolicSuccession #ChurchFathers #EarlyChurch #ChristianHistory #Christianity #BiblicalTheology #FACTSPodcast #StephenBoyce

Who Wrote the Book of Hebrews?

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

Did a Medieval Pope Excommunicate Slave Traders?

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

Mary Had a Little Lamb—And He Takes Away the Sin of the World

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

Women’s Orders: Why the SBC is Correct—But Can’t Defend It

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