Pray For The Dead? Calvin Says NO, Bible Says YES

**Photo credit**: Copyright *Catholic Bible Highlights*, 2025.

Summary: John Calvin absurdly claimed that there wasn’t a single “syllable” in the Bible about prayer for the dead. But I produced seven major passages, and three more related ones.

Did the Bible really say nothing about prayer for the dead? John Calvin boldly claimed there’s “not one syllable” in Scripture supporting it. In this episode of Catholic Bible Highlights, Catholic apologist Dave Armstrong joins Kenny Burchard to show you all the passages (and syllables!) Calvin overlooked. From Paul’s mysterious reference to baptism for the dead in 1 Corinthians 15, to his prayer for Onesiphorus in 2 Timothy, to Jesus, Peter, and Elijah praying for the dead to be raised, Scripture provides multiple examples of intercession for the departed. We also explore the connection to 2 Maccabees 12:44-45, the historical Jewish practice of praying for the dead, and how the New Testament affirms it. If you’ve ever been told that prayer for the dead is “unbiblical,” this episode will open your Bible and your eyes.

Related Books

Biblical Evidence for the Communion of Saints (Feb. 2012, 152 pages)

God of Love, Fire & Light: A Biblical Defense of Purgatory (co-author Kenny Burchard, 21 November 2024, 140p)

Related Web Pages

Saints, Purgatory, & Penance

My Videos Page (Catholic Bible Highlights / Lux Veritatis)

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Photo credit: Copyright Catholic Bible Highlights, 2025.