The Jimmy Akin Podcast | Episode 088 (June 15, 2026)

Everyone knows the number of the beast is 666. But what’s the number of Jesus’ name?

In this eye-opening episode, Jimmy Akin explains ancient gematria, calculates that Jesus’ Greek name (Iesous) adds up to a stunning 888, and shows how early Christians—from the Letter of Barnabas to the Sibylline Oracles and Irenaeus—recognized this powerful contrast. He unpacks the deep symbolism of 8 as new creation and resurrection, and reveals why the number of the beast may have been inspired by the number of Jesus.

One more way Jesus wins!

Timecodes
00:00 – Coming Up
00:19 – Intro
00:37 – 1 What Is Gematria?
04:04 – 2 The Number of Jesus?
06:58 – 3 What Did Early Christians Think?
11:08 – 4 The Letter of Barnabas
15:18 – 5 The Sibylline Oracles
18:39 – 6 Irenaeus of Lyons
20:44 – 7 Conclusion
22:31 – Closing/Outro
23:34 – End