Search the Scriptures Live

The disciples' response to the Lord's call of "Follow Me" can seem strange. Why did they abruptly leave everything and follow Him? Peter's reaction was dramatic: "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" What do we learn about them and about us from their responses? Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://c...

In the first miracle told in his Gospel, Luke describes the Lord's exorcism of a man in the synagogue. What is the origin of the devil and evil? How much power does the devil have? How does one become vulnerable to demonic possession through the choices one makes in our present time and culture? Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribu...

After His ministry begins, Jesus becomes a sensation. But His return to Nazareth ends with an attempt to kill Him, and He proclaims, "No prophet is accepted in his own country." What went wrong? Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Immediately after his baptism, Christ is tempted by the devil. Why does this happen, and what does it mean for us that he too faced temptation, especially at that moment? Being human, Jesus faced temptation, but what does it mean that he is also the Son of God? Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecom...

The Baptism of the Lord according to St. Luke contains certain unique features that reflect Luke's special areas of interest. What does he emphasize? The event is followed by Christ's genealogy, which is not exactly the same as Matthew's. Should this be a cause for concern? Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http:...

The Nativity stories are completed and Luke reintroduces John, who appears in the desert preaching and baptizing. Why are his presence and ministry so important that even now he occupies such a prominent place, including on the icon screen of every Orthodox church?

Luke's unique contribution continues as he describes the Presentation of the Lord at the Temple where his Messianic identity is recognized. As Mary "ponders" these things, she also receives insight into Jesus' own self-awareness when she loses him the city at age 12. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creat...

Luke mentions angels and shepherds prominently at the Birth of Christ. We think of the scene as poetic and pastoral, but Luke's presentation is a compelling statement about the Incarnation. And why does Luke alone note the circumcision and the presentation in the Temple? Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://c...

Luke alone relates the announcements of the conceptions of John and Jesus followed by accounts of their births. The remarkable role of the Forerunner is foretold by his farther and the Lord's birth, although familiar to us, is actually striking and unusual as well. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativ...

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Ancient Faith Ministries will be closed in observance of American Labor Day next Monday, September 7. There will be NO NEW EPISODE of Search the Scriptures Live next week. Mary visits Elizabeth, who is expecting John the Forerunner, and at this famous encounter both women prophesy. Luke presents one of the most famous prayers of the Bible, the Magnificat. Still widely even...

Why was Mary "troubled" or distressed by Archangel Gabriel's announcement? What important fact do we learn about her expectation for her future by her response: "I do not know man." What is the Holy Spirit's role in the Incarnation and why does salvation begin with this? Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://c...

Only the Evangelist Luke presents this intimate scene of the Archangel Gabriel appearing to the Virgin Mary, informing her that she is to be the mother of the Messiah. Much can be learned from Luke's description of this important event through the insight of the Holy Fathers. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License htt...

Luke follows the conventions of Greek historical writing by opening his Gospel with a specific style of prologue, unique in the Bible. From it we learn much about Luke himself and his audience. We will continue with Zechariah and the announcement about John the Forerunner. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http:/...

Who was Luke the Evangelist and what do we know about him? In this introductory lesson to our series on the Third Gospel, we discuss the unique elements and contributions of Luke's gospel and why it is so important for our perceptions about Christ. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/lice...

Our Introduction to the New Testament series concludes with an explanation of fifteen common techniques of patristic interpretation and some final comments about Scripture interpretation from Ss. Augustine and Jerome. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Saint Augustine and St. Jerome corresponded for years and disagreed over various points of interpretation and translation. The older presbyter Jerome was annoyed by the younger bishop Augustine, who challenged Jerome's opinions in this remarkable and entertaining exchange.

Saint Jerome was perhaps the most technically qualified Father but also ranks among the most cantankerous. We will learn why he devoted his life to the Church, how his opinions about interpretation changed, and about his cranky personality and his famous disagreements with Augustine. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Lic...

Saint Augustine lacked the theological and exegetical training of the Greek Fathers. Instead he created his own method, rules, and guidelines for Scripture interpretation, which unfortunately led to erroneous and novel conclusions that still impact Western Christian theology. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License htt...

Saint Augustine has a mixed reputation among the Orthodox, but undoubtedly he is one of the leading figures of Church history. We will take an unbiased look at his fascinating life and accomplishments, triumphs, and errors, and his method of biblical interpretation. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creati...

Latin Fathers also contributed insights and expertise to the interpretation of the Scriptures. The story of St. Ambrose of Milan is unusual and captivating. He was instrumental in the conversion of St. Augustine, because of his interpretation of Scripture. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons....

PARENTAL ADVISORY: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS CONTENT THAT MAY BE UPSETTING FOR CHILDREN. Orthodox Christians admire St. John Chrysostom, but many others view him negatively and accuse him of harboring hatred toward Jews and women. Are those fair accusations? We will discuss this, his relationship with his congregation and his life as a bishop in his own words. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod...

We have all heard of St John Chrysostom but few know details about his extraordinary life. His tremendous impact on the Church is immeasurable, especially in spirituality and biblical interpretation. His complicated life revealed his holiness in his extreme circumstances. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://...

Despite the mystique of allegory, many Christians disagreed with the arbitrary character of Alexandrian biblical interpretation. A different style arose and became popular in Antioch. It eventually prevailed, largely due to its most famous proponent: St. John Chrysostom. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://c...

Among the luminaries of the early Church were two brothers: Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa. Both were bishops, wrote theological treatises and made important contributions to the Church. And yet their style of biblical interpretation was very different. How and why? Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://...

Origen was the shining star of the 3rd century, the pride of the Church of Alexandria. Brilliant and celebrated, he authored thousands of books and influenced countless Fathers. So why was he eventually condemned? Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...