St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Acts 8:26–9:22, focusing on the Spirit-led mission of Philip and the conversion of Saul. Fr. Matthias examines how the early Church established sacraments like baptism and chrismation as separate acts, highlighting Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch and the significance of his baptism despite social and religious barriers.

The discussion transitions to Saul’s zealous persecution of Christians and his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Fr. Matthias explains Saul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle, emphasizing God’s mercy and the divine purpose behind choosing him to preach to Gentiles. Connections are drawn between Old Testament prophecies and the early Church’s expansion, illustrating how God directs and unites the Church’s mission through the Holy Spirit.

Throughout, Fr. Matthias stresses the importance of Church authority, scripture interpretation, and the role of faith in salvation.#BibleStudy #Acts8 #SaulConversion #HolySpirit #EarlyChurch #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the conversion of Saul (St. Paul) in Acts 9, highlighting his dramatic transformation from persecutor to preacher and the challenges he faced gaining acceptance from the early church. He explains how Saul’s ministry marked a turning point from persecution to peace within the early Christian community.

Fr. Matthias then examines the miracles performed by St. Peter, including the healing of Aeneas and the raising of Tabitha, illustrating the apostolic authority and power bestowed by Christ. The discussion shifts to Acts 10, focusing on Cornelius, the first Gentile convert, whose faith and righteousness opened the way for Gentiles to join the Christian faith without following Jewish ritual laws.

The talk emphasizes Peter’s vision that abolished distinctions of clean and unclean, signaling a new era where salvation through Christ is accessible to all, regardless of ethnicity. Fr. Matthias highlights the significance of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring on Gentiles and the continuing importance of baptism, underscoring the unity and expansion of the early church.#Acts9 #ConversionOfSaul #EarlyChurch #FaithInChrist #HolySpirit #GentileConversion #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Acts chapters 11 and 12, focusing on the early Church’s recognition that salvation and the Holy Spirit were extended to the Gentiles, as shown through St. Peter’s encounter with Cornelius. He explains the Jewish customs about circumcision and dietary laws, the opposition Peter faced from Judaizers, and the significance of baptism replacing circumcision as a mark of faith.

Fr. Matthias then describes the scattering of believers due to persecution, highlighting the missionary efforts in Antioch where the term “Christian” was first used. He discusses the roles of Barnabas and Saul (Paul) and the continued work of the early prophets.

The session concludes with the account of King Herod Agrippa’s persecution of the Church, including the martyrdom of St. James, the miraculous escape of St. Peter, and Herod’s death, supported by historical references from Josephus. Finally, Fr. Matthias sets the stage for Paul’s first missionary journey and the ongoing growth of the early Church.#Acts11 #EarlyChurch #HolySpirit #StPeter #ChristianMission #BibleStudy #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Acts 13, focusing on the beginning of Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey from Antioch. He explains the distinction between the two cities named Antioch and the role of fasting and liturgy in the early church’s decision to send out missionaries. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of laying on of hands as an early form of ordination.

The discussion covers Paul and Barnabas’s travels to Cyprus, encounters in synagogues, and the confrontation with the sorcerer Bar-Jesus, emphasizing the spread of the gospel first to Jews, then Gentiles. Fr. Matthias also unpacks Paul’s sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, emphasizing Jewish history, fulfillment of prophecy in Christ, and the call to repentance.

The talk addresses the rejection of the message by many Jews, the acceptance by Gentiles, and the deeper theological concepts of salvation, free will, and God’s foreknowledge. Fr. Matthias concludes with reflections on perseverance in ministry and the apostles’ zeal, despite opposition and persecution.#Acts13 #PaulAndBarnabas #MissionaryJourney #EarlyChurch #BiblicalStudies #ChristianTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study on Acts 14, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring St. Paul's first missionary journey, focusing on the challenges and breakthroughs in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Fr. Matthias explains how Paul and Barnabas initially preached in synagogues, addressing both Jews and Gentiles with different approaches. He examines the purpose of miracles performed by the apostles—as signs to inspire faith, not the foundation of Christianity—and differentiates between the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The lesson highlights Paul’s ordination as an apostle and the establishment of local church leadership through fasting and prayer. Fr. Matthias discusses the reality of suffering in the Christian life, emphasizing the call to endure tribulations without false promises of easy blessings. He also reflects on St. Paul’s sermon to the Gentiles, pointing to God as the Creator beyond pagan gods, and the importance of steadfast faith amid persecution and trials.#Acts14 #BibleStudy #StPaul #MissionaryJourney #HolySpirit #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Acts 15, focusing on the early Church's response to the dispute over circumcision for Gentile converts. He explains the significance of the first apostolic council in Jerusalem, where the Apostles and elders debated Jewish customs and the inclusion of Gentiles in salvation without requiring adherence to the full Mosaic law. Fr. Matthias emphasizes how this council established a model for Church governance, highlighting collective decision-making guided by the Holy Spirit rather than individual authority.

The talk also addresses the distinction between Church unity and disagreement, the role of St. Peter’s vision about Gentiles, and St. James’ leadership in the council’s final decree. Fr. Matthias contrasts the Orthodox understanding of Church authority with Roman Catholic teachings on papal primacy, tracing historical practices in early Christianity and the development of church hierarchy.

This study provides insight into early Church disputes, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the principles of faith and obedience within the Christian community.#Acts15 #EarlyChurch #ApostolicCouncil #ChurchUnity #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Acts 16:25–17:21, focusing on St. Paul's second missionary journey through key locations such as Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. He explains the historical and cultural context, including the Roman Empire’s religious landscape and the significance of monotheism in Christianity versus paganism.

Fr. Matthias discusses the story of the Philippian jailer’s conversion and baptism, emphasizing the Orthodox understanding of salvation as a lifelong process involving faith, baptism, and sanctification. He contrasts this with other Christian perspectives and highlights the role of sacraments in spiritual growth.

The teaching includes an analysis of Paul’s encounters with different groups—Jews, Greeks, Epicurean and Stoic philosophers—and their openness or resistance to the gospel. Fr. Matthias underscores the importance of searching scripture and being open to truth in faith, while also addressing common misconceptions about miracles and the challenges of spiritual progress.#Acts16 #BibleStudy #StPaul #ChristianFaith #OrthodoxChristianity #GospelMessage #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study on Acts 17:15-18, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores St. Paul's second missionary journey, focusing on his arrival in Athens and his interactions with Greek philosophers at the Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill. Fr. Matthias explains how Paul addresses the Athenians’ religious practices and introduces the concept of the one true God, using their altar to the “unknown god” as a starting point for evangelism.

He discusses the challenges Paul faced preaching to Gentiles, the differences between Epicurean and Stoic philosophies, and the strategy Paul employed to connect with diverse audiences by affirming their spiritual search rather than confronting their beliefs aggressively.

Fr. Matthias also traces Paul’s journey to Corinth, highlighting Paul’s tentmaking, opposition from Jews, and the growth of the early church, mentioning key figures like Aquila, Priscilla, and Sosthenes. The study includes reflections on early church practices, the spread of the Pauline epistles, and the importance of correcting teachings with charity and understanding, as illustrated by the example of Apollo.

This study offers detailed insights into the missionary efforts of St. Paul, his engagement with different cultures, and practical approaches to sharing the Christian faith.#Acts17 #BibleStudy #StPaul #MissionaryJourney #ChristianFaith #Evangelism #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study on Acts 19, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores St. Paul's third missionary journey, focusing on his time in Ephesus where he stayed for three years. Fr. Matthias explains the distinction between John’s baptism and the sacramental baptism in the name of Jesus, emphasizing the necessity of receiving the Holy Spirit. He also discusses the separate sacraments of baptism and confirmation, detailing how these were practiced in the early Church.

The talk covers Paul’s teaching in Ephesus, the spread of Christianity amid opposition, and the role of miracles in affirming the gospel message. Fr. Matthias highlights a significant event involving Jewish exorcists misusing Jesus’ name and the powerful response from evil spirits. He also recounts the uproar caused by Demetrius the silversmith, whose idol-making business was threatened by Paul’s preaching, leading to a large mob protest.

Throughout, the connection between faith, baptism, confirmation, and living the Christian life is clarified, with references to the cultural and religious context of the time.#Acts19 #BibleStudy #StPaul #ChristianFaith #HolySpirit #Sacraments #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Acts 20, focusing on St. Paul’s departure from Ephesus after a three-year ministry and his journey through Macedonia and Greece. He highlights key events like Paul’s lengthy farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, the significance of early Christian liturgical practices such as breaking bread on Sundays, and the roles of Paul's companions.

Fr. Matthias examines the challenges Paul faced, including opposition from Jews and false teachers threatening the church. He discusses Paul’s unwavering commitment despite knowing his impending martyrdom and his encouragement to the elders to shepherd the church faithfully.

The talk also delves into the guidance of the Holy Spirit in decision-making, contrasts Orthodox and Pentecostal views, and explains early Christian attitudes toward supporting ministers. Scriptural connections between Acts and 2 Corinthians are outlined to deepen understanding of Paul’s ministry and struggles.#Acts20 #BibleStudy #StPaul #ChristianTeaching #HolySpirit #EarlyChurch #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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