The Gospel According to St. Matthew | Chapters 3–4

In this session of Make His Path Straight, we continue through Matthew Chapters 3–4, beginning with St. John the Baptist’s call to repentance and his role as the Forerunner who prepares the way of the Lord.

We then explore the Baptism of Christ and the revelation of the Holy Trinity, Christ’s forty days of temptation in the wilderness, and the beginning of His public ministry with the calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and John.

Throughout these chapters, we are invited to repent, follow Christ, and allow Him to transform what separates us from God, as the great Light shines in our darkness and leads us toward true life in His loving and saving presence.

Next week, God willing, we begin the Sermon on the Mount.

Welcome back to Make His Path Straight, a St. John the Baptist Bible Study! After nearly three years journeying through the letters of St. Paul, we return to the Gospels and begin our study of the Gospel According to St. Matthew.

In this opening session, we explore Matthew Chapters 1–2 and the theme of fulfillment that runs throughout the Gospel. From the genealogy of Christ and God's promises to Abraham and David, to St. Joseph, the Magi, Herod, and the flight into Egypt, Matthew reveals how the story of salvation finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Along the way, we reflect on how God works through the messiness of human history—and the messiness of our own lives—continually providing, transforming, and calling us toward Himself.

Above all, these opening chapters remind us of the meaning of Emmanuel: “God with us.” The God revealed in Jesus Christ does not remain distant from our struggles but enters into them, meets us where we are, and calls us into new life in His loving and saving presence.

Next week, God willing, we continue with Matthew Chapters 3–4.

Join our St. John the Baptist Bible Study, as we conclude our journey through St. Paul’s Letter to Titus with the third chapter. In this session, we reflect on the saving mercy of God revealed through Jesus Christ, the renewal of our lives through the Holy Spirit, and the call to devote ourselves to good works as faithful witnesses to the Gospel in the world.

If any of these topics interest you, be sure to stream this week’s session.
Orthros begins every Sunday at 8:30 a.m., followed by Divine Liturgy at approximately 9:45 a.m.

Learn more about our community:
https://www.saintjohnthebaptist.org/

Looking for a parish near you?
https://www.goarch.org/parishes

Join our St. John the Baptist Bible Study, as we begin our journey through St. Paul’s Letter to Titus with the first and second chapters. In this session, we reflect on Paul’s instruction concerning sound doctrine, faithful leadership within the Church, and the transformative power of God's grace, which calls us to lives of holiness, self-control, and good works as we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If any of these topics interest you, be sure to stream this week’s session.
Orthros begins every Sunday at 8:30 a.m., followed by Divine Liturgy at approximately 9:45 a.m.

Learn more about our community:
https://www.saintjohnthebaptist.org/

Looking for a parish near you?
https://www.goarch.org/parishes

Join our St. John the Baptist Bible Study, as we conclude our journey through St. Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy with the third and fourth chapters. In this session, we reflect on Paul’s warning concerning the trials and temptations of the last days, the enduring authority of Sacred Scripture, and his final exhortation to remain steadfast in preaching the Gospel and persevering faithfully until the end.

If any of these topics interest you, be sure to stream this week’s session.
Orthros begins every Sunday at 8:30 a.m., followed by Divine Liturgy at approximately 9:45 a.m.

Learn more about our community:
https://www.saintjohnthebaptist.org/

Looking for a parish near you?
https://www.goarch.org/parishes

Join our St. John the Baptist Bible Study, as we begin our journey through St. Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy with the first and second chapters. In this session, we reflect on Paul’s final exhortations to his spiritual son, the call to remain steadfast in the faith through suffering and perseverance, and the importance of guarding the truth entrusted to the Church as faithful servants of Christ.

If any of these topics interest you, be sure to stream this week’s session.
Orthros begins every Sunday at 8:30 a.m., followed by Divine Liturgy at approximately 9:45 a.m.

Learn more about our community:
https://www.saintjohnthebaptist.org/

Looking for a parish near you?
https://www.goarch.org/parishes

Join our St. John the Baptist Bible Study, as we conclude our journey through St. Paul’s First Letter to Timothy with the fifth and sixth chapters. In this session, we reflect on Paul’s instruction concerning life within the Church, the proper use of wealth and authority, and the call to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness as faithful servants of Christ.

If any of these topics interest you, be sure to stream this week’s session.
Orthros begins every Sunday at 8:30 a.m., followed by Divine Liturgy at approximately 9:45 a.m.

Learn more about our community:
https://www.saintjohnthebaptist.org/

Looking for a parish near you?
https://www.goarch.org/parishes

Join our St. John the Baptist Bible Study, as we continue our journey through St. Paul’s First Letter to Timothy with the third and fourth chapters. In this session, we reflect on the qualities of faithful leadership within the Church, the mystery of godliness revealed in Christ, and Paul’s exhortation to remain steadfast in sound teaching and spiritual discipline as we grow in faith and holiness.

If any of these topics interest you, be sure to stream this week’s session.
Orthros begins every Sunday at 8:30 a.m., followed by Divine Liturgy at approximately 9:45 a.m.

Learn more about our community:
https://www.saintjohnthebaptist.org/

Looking for a parish near you?
https://www.goarch.org/parishes

Join our St. John the Baptist Bible Study, as we begin our journey through St. Paul’s First Letter to Timothy with the first and second chapters. In this session, we reflect on Paul’s guidance for sound teaching, the power of God’s mercy, and the order of prayer and life within the Church, as we consider how we are called to live faithfully in truth and reverence before God.

If any of these topics interest you, be sure to stream this week’s session.
Orthros begins every Sunday at 8:30 a.m., followed by Divine Liturgy at approximately 9:45 a.m.

Learn more about our community:
https://www.saintjohnthebaptist.org/

Looking for a parish near you?
https://www.goarch.org/parishes

Join our St. John the Baptist Bible Study, as we conclude our journey through St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians with the second and third chapters. In this session, we reflect on Paul’s teaching about steadfastness in the truth, discernment in the face of deception, and the call to live faithfully and diligently as we await the coming of the Lord.

If any of these topics interest you, be sure to stream this week’s session.
Orthros begins every Sunday at 8:30 a.m., followed by Divine Liturgy at approximately 9:45 a.m.

Learn more about our community:
https://www.saintjohnthebaptist.org/

Looking for a parish near you?
https://www.goarch.org/parishes

Sources used in this study:
Contemporary and Patristic commentaries, including NICNT, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, and the writings of the Holy Fathers. Full source links are listed below.