Search the Scriptures Live

After he died on the cross, Christ went to Hades. This was well known in the early Church and remains important in Orthodoxy. But why? Is Hades the same as Hell? Exactly what did Christ accomplish in Hades and why was it necessary?

What do you really know about the crucifixion of Christ? Was he in despair on the cross? Why was he offered wine and later vinegar? Why did soldiers gamble for his clothes? What was the medical cause of death by crucifixion?

The mocking of the Lord is something we can all relate to, but in Christ's case additional cruelty was intentionally added to the already humiliating and excruciating crucifixion process. Why do the Scriptures say that Christ "become sin" for us or "become a curse" for us?

Determined to put Jesus to death, the Jewish leaders take him to Pilate who seems reluctant to condemn him. Is that historically accurate? Judas throwing the money into the Temple was a legal maneuver to reverse the conviction. How? Join us for the details!

The Jewish Trial of Christ presents many questions: Who was there and why did they have authority? Was the trial valid or violate Jewish law? Why did Jesus speak after first remaining silent? On what charge does the trial begin, then on what charge is he finally convicted?

As the Lord waited for his betrayer to arrive He spent agonizing hours in prayer. Was Jesus afraid to die and what does it mean if He was? Judas betrayed the Lord with a kiss, but what kind of kiss? Why was identification even necessary? Lots more questions! Great answers!

The events of the Last Supper raise many questions: when it occurred, the type of bread used, the announcement of betrayal, whether Judas received communion and why Christ didn't identify Judas as the traitor. All these and more will be answered!

The Passion narrative begins with the betrayal by Judas, who remains an enigmatic figure in history. What do we know about him and what motivated him to deny Christ? We will also discuss the anointing of Christ by a mysterious unnamed woman. Why is this event significant?

The Last Judgment is among the most stark and thought provoking passages in the Bible. We are forced to ponder how we will fare on that day when we stand before Christ and are judged. On what basis will we be judged? What lessons should we learn from this gospel passage?

The Lord continues the eschatological discourse by warning us with two striking parables: the parable of the ten virgins and the parable of the talents. Both warn us to prepare for the end times and our judgment. Exactly when we will face these events is unknown to us. Are you prepared?

The disciples question the Lord about the end times in Matthew 24. He reveals many details about the near future and the Second Coming. This chapter also contains a passage often used to promote "the rapture," but is that interpretation correct or just wishful thinking?

After numerous attempts by the scribes and Pharisees to trap him and destroy him, the Lord finally unleashed a torrent of blistering attacks against the religious leaders of his time, exposing their corruption and hypocrisy with the most vivid descriptions.

Religious leaders in Jerusalem are determined to put Jesus to death, but they need a reason to report him to the Romans. A trap is set for him, followed by other questions and challenges, but Jesus responds brilliantly and stumps them with his own question.

This striking parable stands as a stark warning to ignoring the repeated invitations to attend a banquet offered by a king who represents God. The parable reverberates in Orthodoxy with many images and references, including entering the banquet without a wedding garment.

Some titles for the expected Messiah seem strange to us, such as "Everlasting Father" or "Angel of Great Council." But the Fathers of the Church understood their great significance and will explain them to us as we conclude this short series on the Messianic prophecies.

Continuing our study of Old Testament prophecies about the birth of Christ, we will see how the prophets clearly foretold not only the birth of a human Messiah, but something much more extraordinary: that the Messiah would also be God Himself.

In this special lesson, we will look at how the ancient Church interpreted Old Testament prophecies that foretold the birth of the Savior. How could anyone know that Jesus was the Messiah? The prophecies were key: they prepared the Jews by telling them what to look for.

The Lord cites a prophecy that was being fulfilled at that very moment: the Jewish leaders were rejecting their Messiah. The early Church remembered this important prophecy, but its significance was greater than mere fulfillment: It signified Christ's divinity as well.

The Lord's pointed criticism of the religious leaders of Israel continues. He enrages his opponents with another devastating critique in the form of a parable. He foretells his own death at their hands and that the "vineyard" entrusted to them will be given to others.

The Lord has cleansed the Temple and now is confronted by the Jewish leaders about the source of his authority to perform such an act. They attempt to trap him but he responds by revealing their hypocrisy and trapping them with the snares that they set for him.

This story from the last week of Christ's life puzzles many people. Why would Jesus curse a tree? But Christ's actions have deep, symbolic, and prophetic meaning. The sometimes elusive Fr. Costas will join us to talk about the meaning of Christ's act.

We say that Jesus "cleansed" the Temple, but how? What did his actions even mean? Why did he cause such a disturbance? Did he lose his temper or were his actions a symbolic commentary on the purpose, function, and attitude toward the Temple by his contemporaries?

The Lord's cleansing of the Temple at Jerusalem is such an important event that it is described in all four gospels and was one of the events that led to his death. What was so significant about the Temple that the Jewish leaders resolved to have him killed?

Palm Sunday is a day of celebration in the Church, which seems odd considering that Christ entered Jerusalem knowing he was headed for the cross. Why is it joyful, what do the titles mean, and why doesn't Christ tell them not to call him the Messiah as he had in the past?

The blind men cry out to the Lord for healing as he passes by on the road, and they are rewarded. This simple story contains important lessons for us about faith, persistence in prayer and our response to the Lord when he approaches us and after we encounter him.

The request of James and John to sit at the right and left of Jesus in his kingdom prompts the Lord to explain Christian leadership to the Twelve. How does Christian leadership differ from what we typically think of leadership in the secular world?

As the Lord approaches Jerusalem, he attempts to prepare his disciples for the awful events to come, but they don't understand. James and John anticipate a worldly kingdom. Their mother attempts to help them secure a position. The Fathers have interesting comments on this!

Is it ever too late to change your ways? Christ tells a parable, explaining that it never too late and the rewards for accepting him even at the very end are exactly the same as given to those who never hesitated. But isn't that unfair of God? The Fathers explain and answer!

The rich young man was unwilling to part with his wealth to follow Jesus, but the disciples left everything for Christ. After Peter's statement, the Lord discusses the rewards that the disciples can expect. The Holy Fathers elaborate not only about those disciples but us as well.

The Lord said this about attachment to wealth: "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." This strange comparison has been discussed endlessly for centuries. Why did Christ say it and what does it mean?

Why is this the response when a rich young man asked Christ about inheriting eternal life? Are all of us expected to give up all our possessions? What prompted this advice and to whom does it apply?

After Christ explained that marriage is God-given and then placed limits on divorce, the astonished disciples wondered whether it is better not to marry at all. We will discuss the Lord's response along with Orthodox teaching on divorce.

The Pharisees challenged Jesus on the issue of divorce, asking him, "When is it allowed?" Christ's response is surprising and reveals his care and concern for women, especially compared to the prevailing laws and attitudes toward women in first-century Judaism.

Dr. Jeannie continues Christ's teachings on forgiveness in response to a strong objection that some things are simply unforgivable and that Christ's teachings are not "black and white." Dr. Jeannie shares some remarkable stories of the transformative power of forgiveness.

Continuing our study of the parable of the Unforgiving Debtor and the Lord's command that we forgive everyone who has harmed us, some ask how that is possible when we are still suffering from the harm done to us.

This powerful parable may be the most important in the Bible for our salvation. Why do we hold on to grudges and are unwilling to forgive? Christ graphically describes what will happen to anyone who refuses to forgive another person "from his heart." Take heed!

The Lord promised his presence even if only two or three are gathered in his name. This famous verse had practical purpose but was also misused to support divisions. St. Paisios explains the power of community prayer and also gave wonderful advice about effectual prayer.

As we continue Matthew 18, the Lord highlights the importance of every person with the Parable of the Lost Sheep. He also addresses the inevitable disputes that arise in every community. How should conflicts be handled? Christ speaks, and the Fathers explain! *audio quality/production elements may not be consistent.

The Lord said "It is necessary that scandals come, but woe to the one who causes them." Does "necessary" mean scandals are predestined? Why does God allow them? What are the consequences to the Church and to people whose actions scandalize the faithful?

Matthew 18 begins with this question. Although it seems proud, Chrysostom explains that there is something commendable about the argument. Chapter 18 is noteworthy because it contains the teachings of the Lord regarding relationships and conflicts within the Church.

A distraught father brought his sick boy to Jesus' disciples while Jesus was on Mount Tabor. But they were unable to cure the boy. Two reasons given are lack of faith and the need for prayer and fasting. Envy also makes our gifts and talents ineffective, says St. Paisios.

Have you ever wondered about this strange statement spoken by a desperate father to the Lord? How can we believe and yet still not believe? What does the Lord say to his disciples, and what lessons does this gospel passage hold about faith?

The Transfiguration of the Lord is a very significant event, not only for Him but also for us.The light that enveloped Christ was nothing like ordinary light. According to the Fathers, that light teaches us about our salvation and the possibility of theosis in the future.

The Transfiguration of the Lord is one of the Church's most important feast days but is surprisingly ignored in the West. Through St. Matthew's account, we will discover what the Fathers can teach us about its deep theological importance and significance.

What should we be willing to do for Christ? Is a Christian really required to die to the world to have eternal life, and what does that even mean? How do we die for Christ in our modern society? The Fathers speak!

What does it mean to pick up your cross? Most people assume that Christ is teaching us how to handle the difficulties of life. But the Fathers would not agree with that! Join Dr. Jeannie to learn the truth about this famous verse.

In one of the most dramatic reversals of the New Testament, the Lord, who previously praised Peter and gave him the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, now associates Peter's words with the Devil. What were Christ's words and Peter's response that led to the sudden change?

As we approach Holy Week and will be contemplating the Passion of the Lord, Fr. Nick and Dr. Roxanne Louh are Dr. Jeannie's special guests this week to discuss the seven last statements of the Lord, the lessons we can learn from what He said and how we can apply that to our lives.

Did the early Church understand the words of Christ to Peter as giving unique powers or special privileges to Peter? How, when and why did the Roman Church develop its theology of papal supremacy? What did the early Fathers say about the keys to the kingdom of heaven?

Our examination of Peter's confession and Christ's blessing continues. Was Peter ever the bishop of Rome? Did the Lord's words give Peter and all bishops of Rome universal jurisdiction over the entire Church? What did the holy Fathers say about Christ's words?