What Is the Number of Jesus? | The Jimmy Akin Podcast

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