In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines key events from the Gospels focusing on Sabbath laws and the selection of the 12 Apostles. He explores the incident where Jesus’ disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, explaining its alignment with Old Testament law and the deeper purpose of Sabbath observance as serving humanity rather than imposing burdens. Fr. Matthias also discusses the healing of the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath, highlighting Jesus’ teaching that doing good and saving life are lawful even on the Sabbath.

The study concludes with an overview of the official appointment and naming of the 12 Apostles, detailing their backgrounds, roles, and the authority given to them by Christ to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the mission of Jesus as servant and teacher whose work extended to both Jews and Gentiles, setting the stage for the spread of the Gospel.

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralyzed man in John chapter 5 within the context of the Jewish feast mentioned. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of the Pool of Bethesda, its location by the Sheep Gate, and its symbolic meaning relating to the Jewish people and the Law of Moses. He examines the dialogue between Jesus and the paralyzed man, highlighting the man’s long suffering, Jesus’ healing authority beyond the pool, and the man’s response of faith and gratitude.

Fr. Matthias also discusses the controversy surrounding Jesus healing on the Sabbath and clarifies the true purpose of the Sabbath as a day of doing good in alignment with the Father’s ongoing work. A theological discourse follows on the unity between the Father and the Son, focusing on Jesus’ divine authority, the role of faith in Him for eternal life, and the final resurrection and judgment. The study concludes with reflections on rejecting true prophets and the importance of embracing the Messiah promised in the Scriptures.

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the Bible study on the Harmony of the Gospels by exploring several miracles of Christ found in the Gospel of Matthew and the calling of the 12 disciples. He examines Jesus healing two blind men and a demon-possessed mute man, highlighting the importance of faith in receiving healing and forgiveness. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual significance behind Jesus forgiving the sins of a paralytic before healing him physically, emphasizing the priority of spiritual salvation over physical needs.

He also discusses the calling of Matthew the tax collector, showing how Jesus reached out to sinners and the response of the Pharisees. Fr. Matthias addresses the question of fasting, explaining its connection to Jesus’ presence as the bridegroom and the shift from Old Testament practices to the New Covenant. The talk encourages persistence in prayer, faith in God’s power and mercy, and embracing the spiritual transformation Jesus offers.

Tune in to Fr Antony as he reflects on Christ as the Light of the world, calling us to walk in His light while we still have time. We are reminded that Jesus offers the true light that darkness cannot overcome. Through the resurrection message and the call to choose the path of life, we are invited to step out of spiritual darkness, walk with purpose, and live each day as sons and daughters of the Light.

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the discussion on evangelism by distinguishing between active and passive approaches. He explores different types of active evangelism such as service, invitational, intellectual (apologetics), testimonial, and confrontational methods, illustrating each with scriptural examples. Emphasizing that community service should address both physical and spiritual needs, Fr. Matthias highlights how faith is shared through personal witness, reasoned dialogue, and direct proclamation.

Regarding passive evangelism, he explains how personal conduct, church presence, and even martyrdom silently witness to faith. He addresses challenges specific to Orthodox evangelism, cautioning against diluting traditions to attract outsiders. Instead, Fr. Matthias advocates maintaining Orthodox practices while building bridges to help newcomers understand and engage with the faith. He underscores the importance of being ready to welcome and disciple those drawn to the church through both active efforts and the faithful witness of the community.

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels by exploring several miracles of Christ recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He discusses the challenges of Gospel chronology and how the Evangelists present miracles thematically rather than strictly sequentially. Fr. Matthias examines Jesus calming the storm, revealing lessons on faith amid fear and trusting God’s presence even when He seems silent.

He explains the background and role of the scribes and Pharisees, highlighting their legalistic approach that contrasted with Christ’s message. The episode also covers the deliverance of demon-possessed men in the region of the Gergesenes, illustrating the nature of demonic possession and Christ’s authority over evil spirits.

Fr. Matthias then details the healing of a woman with a twelve-year flow of blood and the raising of Jairus’s daughter, emphasizing faith as the key to receiving Christ’s healing power. Throughout, reflections connect these miracles to practical faith challenges faced by believers today.

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels through Christ’s return to Galilee, His encounter in the synagogue at Nazareth, and the calling of the first apostles. Fr. Matthias explains the historical and spiritual significance of the synagogue as a place of assembly and scripture reading, contrasting it with the Old Testament sacrificial system. He examines Jesus’ proclamation of His mission by reading from Isaiah 61, emphasizing His role as the Anointed One bringing spiritual liberation and the “acceptable year of the Lord,” understood as an eternal Jubilee.

Fr. Matthias also discusses the skepticism Jesus faced in His hometown and the reasons for people’s rejection of Him. He then details the calling of fishermen Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, highlighting their immediate response to follow Jesus and the transformative nature of their calling. This study looks at themes of faith, submission, and the true value of discipleship grounded in service and trust in God’s plan.

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the Samaritan woman from John chapter 4, focusing on Jesus’ encounter at Jacob’s well. He explains the historical and cultural context of Samaria, highlighting the divide between Jews and Samaritans and their differing religious beliefs. Fr. Matthias discusses how Jesus offers “living water,” symbolizing the Holy Spirit and eternal life, shifting the woman’s focus from earthly needs to spiritual truths.

The conversation reveals steps in the woman’s spiritual awakening, including confession of her sin and acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah. Fr. Matthias also emphasizes the transition from worshiping in physical locations to worshiping “in spirit and truth,” reflecting the new covenant brought by Christ.

He concludes by illustrating the woman’s transformation into an evangelist who spreads the gospel, and reflects on the disciples’ mission to harvest souls ready for salvation. This study sheds light on the deeper meanings within this unique gospel passage and its implications for faith and worship.

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, as recorded in John chapter 3. He explains Nicodemus’ approach to Jesus by night out of fear and curiosity about salvation. Fr. Matthias examines the necessity of being “born again” to see the kingdom of God, emphasizing the spiritual rebirth through baptism by water and the Spirit. Using analogies such as birth in the womb, he highlights the difference between earthly understanding and heavenly realities.

Fr. Matthias also discusses the significance of baptism as a sacrament that combines physical action with spiritual transformation, addressing why infants are baptized and how baptism removes original sin. He outlines Jesus’ role as the divine source of salvation and connects the lifted bronze serpent in the wilderness to Christ’s crucifixion as a symbol of healing and eternal life.

Further, Fr. Matthias reflects on the role of John the Baptist and the authority of Christ’s disciples to baptize. He underscores the importance of faith in Christ for eternal life and the rejection of light by those who love darkness. This study deepens understanding of salvation, baptism, and the divinity of Christ from a biblical and theological perspective.

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the early ministry of Christ through a harmony of the Gospels, focusing on key encounters with the first disciples such as Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel. He highlights the transition from following John the Baptist to following Jesus and emphasizes the invitation "Come and see" as central to experiencing Christianity beyond intellectual understanding.

Fr. Matthias explains the significance of Jesus’ first public miracle at the wedding in Cana, linking it to the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant through symbolic water pots and wine. He also discusses Jesus’ cleansing of the temple during the Passover, addressing the historical and spiritual context of the temple and the meaning behind Jesus’ actions and words about destroying and raising the temple.

Throughout, the talk connects biblical events with theological insights about faith, scripture fulfillment, evangelism, and the nature of true belief.