

Search the Scriptures Live
Dr. Jeannie Constantinou, and Ancient Faith Ministries
Interesting and Accessible Bible Study for Busy People
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 10, 2023 • 0sec
The Baptism of Christ
The Baptism of Christ raises so many questions. First, why is this feast called Epiphany and Theophany? Why is this event considered a "big deal" in Orthodoxy when it is barely even mentioned by other Christians? Since baptism is for the forgiveness of sin, and John's baptism was for repentance, why was Christ baptized at all? Join us for the first Search the Scriptures of 2023 as we discuss these and other important historical, biblical and theological questions.

Dec 20, 2022 • 0sec
Brood of Vipers!
"Brood of Vipers!" St. John the Forerunner addressed the Jewish leaders with those harsh words when they came to the Jordan River to see him. Jesus would condemn them in the same way. But why did their presence call for such a sharp rebuke? More about St. John, the corrupt leadership in Jerusalem and Jewish attitudes in the first century.

Dec 13, 2022 • 0sec
The Forerunner Part II
John the Forerunner led an amazing and unusual life, described as an "angelic life," growing up in the wilderness of Judea. Yet rumors about influence by a strict Jewish sect have become popular today. Was John an Essene? Why did he baptize? Did John's baptism actually forgive sins? Join us as we continue our discussion of this important figure in Christian history, the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord on Search the Scriptures Live.

Dec 6, 2022 • 0sec
The Forerunner
john the Lord's Forerunner and Baptist is one of the most important saints of Christian history. We can see his prominence in every Orthodox Church by his position next to Christ on the iconostasis. He occupies a leading role at the beginning of all four gospels. Why was his ministry and presence so important? What made John so great that the Lord said that no man ever born was greater than John? Join us as we explore this important saint through the lens of Matthew's gospel.

Nov 29, 2022 • 0sec
The Massacre of the Innocents and Flight to Egypt
The Massacre of the Innocents and Flight to Egypt. For Christians, Herod the Great's most notorious act was the murder of innocent babies in his effort to kill the Christ child but Mary, Joseph and Jesus had fled to Egypt. Today some Bible scholars question whether these events even occurred. Can we trust the historicity of the Bible? What facts and traditions support Matthew's account?

Nov 22, 2022 • 0sec
King of the Jews?
The podcast dives into the life of Herod the Great, a non-Jewish King of Judea marked by brutality and insecurity. Explore the political intrigue surrounding his rule and how it shaped the Nativity story. Discover the significance of Bethlehem as Jesus' birthplace, rich with Old Testament prophecies. The discussion also highlights Herod's architectural legacy, including the expansion of the Second Temple, underscoring his complex and often controversial impact on history.

Nov 15, 2022 • 0sec
Herod, the Magi, a Star
Herod, the Magi, a Star... Are the descriptions of Herod, the Magi, and the Star of Bethlehem historically accurate, symbolic or legendary? Matthew emphasizes the royal and divine nature of Christ, and central to the story is a king who felt threatened by the one who was "born King of the Jews." Why would Herod the Great feel threatened by a little baby? Why was he called "the Great" anyhow? Join us on Search the Scriptures Live this Monday as we continue our study of the birth of the Messiah according to St. Matthew.

Nov 8, 2022 • 0sec
Christ's Nativity vs Pagan Nativities
Pagan myths and the virgin birth. Is it true that pagans had stories about virgin births? Is it possible that the gospel stories were inspired by these mythologies? What about other elements in the Infancy Narratives, such as the Star and Herod's attempts to kill the newly born Christ? Are those historically based or simply imagery to convey messages and meaning about the birth of Jesus Christ?

Nov 1, 2022 • 0sec
The Nativity Account in Matthew
Palace or manger? Royalty or poverty? The Birth of Christ in Matthew 1. As we continue our study of Matthew 1, we begin by responding to the criticisms of Jews and pagans about the genealogy of Christ in Matthew and Luke with answers from the Fathers of the Church. But why is the birth of Christ told differently by Matthew and Luke? What significant lessons do each teach us about the Incarnation of the Lord?

Oct 25, 2022 • 0sec
St. Matthew the Apostle
Meticulous Matthew, the first evangelist has been called. What do we actually know about Matthew from early Church tradition? The first gospel is not written by someone we might expect, someone prominent among the disciples, such as St. Peter. Instead, the first gospel was written by a former tax collector. And yet, he gave us a gospel that is magnificent in its spiritual insight and astonishing in its complexity. It is quite impossible to imagine the Church without the Gospel of Matthew, the gospel that supplies a critical bridge between Judaism and the Church, and explains the relationship between the Old and the New. This week we will continue in our brand new study and also hear the inspiring words of St. John Chrysostom on the importance of reading the Scriptures.