Search the Scriptures Live

Tonight on Search the Scriptures LIVE!, we will be discussing Armageddon and the Millennium. Is Armageddon World War III? Who will be involved in the fighting? How long will it last? When the Lord returns, will He establish an earthly kingdom and reign over it for 1,000 years?

Dr. Constantinou continues her study of Revelation, looking at Chapters 14 through 19, with special focus on the pouring out of the seven bowls of plagues, the appearance of the harlot, and the fall of Babylon. She also discusses the purpose of the plagues. Why will God send plagues at the end times?

Dr. Jeannie discusses Rev.13, recapping for her listeners the concepts behind the Emperor Cult, who is the anti-christ, and what does the number 666 represent and what is the mark of the beast

Dr. Jeannie continues her discussion on the Book of Revelation and focuses this week on Revelation 12, the Woman Clothed with the Sun, who was pursued by the Dragon. Is the woman the Virgin Mary? Then she turns her attention to Revelation 13, the appearance of two Beasts and the infamous number 666. What does it mean to receive the mark of the Beast? Who was the 666? Are these images simply about past historical events, or is there a message for us now and for the future?

Dr. Jeannie discusses the Protestant doctrine of the Rapture and Revelation. In Ch. 8 of Revelation, the seventh seal is opened, which begins a period of intense tribulations. Seven trumpets are blown resulting in dramatic changes and suffering among people. Why does God send the tribulations? Is this hell or is it punishment on earth for those destined for hell? Will anyone escape these tribulations? Who are the two witnesses who are sent to earth? Is there such a thing as the rapture? Will some people be taken up and spared the suffering of the end times?

Having already discussed the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the first four “seals,” Dr. Constantinou goes on to explain the 5th, 6th, and 7th seals. This is a critical part of the book of Revelation in which there is a shift toward the eschatological future. How will we know when we are really in the end times, as opposed to simply experiencing the typical trials and tribulations of human life on Earth?

Dr. Jeannie continues her discussion on the Book of Revelation, centering on the Lamb and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She concludes her explanation of the four creatures by the throne of God and explains how they were interpreted as the four Evangelists in the patristic tradition. Then she continues her study of the Throne Room scene, where we will see the appearance of the Lamb who will open the scroll which is sealed with seven seals. The opening of each of the first four seals brings on the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Dr. Constantinou continues her study of Revelation with Chapter 4, John's visit to heaven, known as the "Throne Room" scene. There we see angels, elders, thrones, a rainbow, a sea of glass, and the lamb. What is the meaning of the imagery and the numbers? Who is on the throne? Why are the four creatures by the throne identified with the evangelists? She also addresses an important theological question: When Christ said that only the Father knows the time of His return, does this mean that the Lord is ignorant of the time of the end?

Dr. Constantinou continues her exploration of the Book of Revelation. She discusses the opening vision and the letters to the seven churches, chapters 2 and 3. What do we learn about the context of Revelation from the vision of John described in Chapter 1? Why is the Holy Spirit described as the "seven spirits" before the throne of God? What was happening during the sixth and seventh centuries that led to the first Greek commentaries on the Apocalypse?

Dr. Constantinou continues her exploration of the Book of Revelation. How does the Orthodox Church interpret it? The Apocalypse was accepted by the entire Church, then rejected in the East and ultimately accepted again. Why? Who was Andrew of Caesarea, and what impact did he have on the Orthodox acceptance and interpretation of the Apocalypse?

Dr. Constantinou begins her introduction to the Book of Revelation. The book seems to raise as many questions as it answers. Among those she explores are, “Why is it so strange?” “Who was the author?” “When did he write this book?” “What are other theories about authorship and the dating of this book?” not to mention “How do we interpret its symbols?”

One of the smallest books of the Bible is the epistle of Jude, the brother of James. Although it is short, it contains an unusual element: a reference to a story from the pseudepigrapha, Jewish non-canonical writings. Just as there were Christian writings that were never accepted as Scripture, apocrypha, the Jews also had books which were popular but were never accepted as Scripture. Some people call them the "other" writings or the "lost books" of the Bible.

Dr. Constantinou discusses the Epistles of John. These Epistles are the only place in the New Testament where the word "antichrist" appears. What prompted John to talk about the antichrist? What was the situation in the Church at that time? The first epistle of John also contains some of the most memorable and beautiful verses in the Bible, which have inspired beautiful patristic statements.

Dr. Constantinou presents her overview of 2 Peter. There was a controversy over the book when the Church was determining the canon of the New Testament. We will also explore the importance of the most famous verse in 2 Peter: that we will become "partakers of divine nature." We will recap our discussion of the person of Peter and why he was not the rock on which the church was founded, as well as answer a common Catholic defense against the ancient (i.e., Orthodox) interpretation. If there is time, we will also look at what the Fathers said about Peter's remark that the Lord went to Hades and preached to the dead.

Dr. Constantinou begins her study of the epistles of St. Peter, beginning with an examination of his life and character. She examines the first epistle of Peter with emphasis on its unique passages, beginning with Peter's use of the terms "stone" and "rock" in light of Catholic claims of Peter as the rock on which the Church was established.

Dr. Constantinou continues her exploration of the Book of James, following up first on the relationship between God and temptation. She also discusses the importance of doing good deeds, especially almsgiving, according to St. John Chrysostom. Why does he emphasize almsgiving so frequently? What spiritual benefits arise from almsgiving?

Dr. Jeannie continues her exploration of the Book of James, focusing on the subject of faith and his encouragement to persevere during times of trials. James says that God does not tempt us with evil. We will discuss the question of temptation, its purpose and its relationship to God.

Dr. Constantinou begins an exploration of the General Epistles, starting with the book of James. Martin Luther hated this book and believed it should not be in the New Testament because of its famous statement, "Faith without works is dead." Is James suggesting that we are saved by works? At least three apostles named James are mentioned in the New Testament. Which James wrote this book anyway? Why is it so different from the epistles of Paul and what is the importance of our behavior in our salvation?

Dr. Jeannie continues her discussion on Hebrews and focuses this week on how the Orthodox Church uses the epistle readings from Hebrews during Great Lent to prepare us for Holy Week, and especially to give us a theological explanation of the sacrifice of Christ. The word "atonement" does not exist either in Greek or in Hebrew. But the use of that English word suggests a certain understanding of the death of Christ as "payment" which is not found in Orthodox Christianity. So how does the Orthodox Church understand the sacrifice of Christ?

Dr. Jeannie continues her discussion on Hebrews and focuses on the mysterious person of Melchizedek. Who is this person that Hebrews mentions so often, and what does he have to do with Jesus Christ? In particular she looks at the word "atonement" and the so called debt that must be paid for our sins in order to satisfy God.

Some of the canons of the Church are taken directly from the epistles of St. Paul, but how can we know which canons are permanent and unchanging and which are a product of their time and culture? Some canons seem "outdated." Are they ever "invalid"? How are the Orthodox canons different from the canons of the Catholic Church?

Dr. Constantinou discusses the book of Hebrews, a difficult and strange book for many Christians. It was hotly disputed in the early Church. Why did some people want to keep it out of the New Testament? Who was the author? Why and when was it written?

The shortest Pauline epistle we have is a very personal one, addressed to Philemon, a Christian and friend of Paul, concerning Philemon's runaway slave named Onesimus. What does Paul ask of Philemon and why? Was Onesimus ever granted his freedom? How did someone become a slave during antiquity? Why didn't St. Paul or the Church condemn slavery outright? How were slaves treated as members of the Church? Join us as we discuss slavery in the Roman Empire and the epistle of Paul to Philemon.

Some of the canons of the Church are taken directly from the epistles of St. Paul, but how can we know which canons are permanent and unchanging and which are a product of their time and culture? Some canons seem "outdated." Are they ever "invalid"? How are the Orthodox canons different from the canons of the Catholic Church? Join Dr. Jeannie Constantinou for an explanation of how the holy canons function in the life of the Church, and how they are interpreted and applied.

"I do not permit a woman to teach." "A woman will be saved through childbearing." People have misinterpreted and misconstrued those statements by St. Paul to subjugate and silence women through the centuries. Others have labeled St. Paul a misogynist. Why did St. Paul write these things to Timothy, and what did he mean by them? Listen as Dr. Jeannie Constantinou. looks at these verses in St. Paul's letter to Timothy.

Neither male nor female? Clean or unclean? And what does Eve have to do with all of this anyhow?

Dr. Constantinou begins the epistles to Timothy and Titus, personal letters of guidance from St. Paul to Timothy and Titus. Paul emphasizes sound doctrine. Were there really problems with heresy at this early stage? What does he say about the use of human reasoning when talking about God? What advice does Paul give them for being good church leaders?

Why is Jesus called the Icon of God? Why is Jesus called "the firstborn of creation" instead of Adam? Colossians contains one of the most important passages about the divine and human natures of Christ. Dr. Jeanniel examine it through the eyes of St. John Chrysostom and continue her study of St. Paul by taking a closer look at the book of Colossians.

Dr. Constantinou continues her overview of the epistles of Paul. Can you believe that even in the time of Paul, there were Christians in Caesar's household? How do we know that? We will also look at an important feature found in Colossians and Ephesians about Christian life, as well as other important passages in those books which express the theology of the Church.

We finish our discussion of Romans, including the final chapter which, although it appears very ordinary, actually contains interesting insights into the early church. After completing Romans, we will investigate Philippians, which contains one of the most theologically important passages in the New Testament. Fr. Costa joins Dr. Constantinou at the end to explore the humbling of Christ found in Philippians.

Dr. Constantinou continues her overview of the book of Romans, including the passage which inspired the theology of Martin Luther and led eventually to the Protestant Reformation, as well as the passage which prompted Augustine's view of original sin.

Dr. Constantinou explores the book of Romans, the longest, most famous, and most influential of Paul's epistles. Romans has many unique features, but it has also played a singular role in Christian history. Join her as she presents an overview of this important book.

Dr. Constantinou continues her discussion of Galatians and some of its most famous passages. Galatians is the source of one of the most famous Orthodox hymns. St. Paul wrote the verses which became our baptismal hymn, and then he stated that there is neither male or female, slave nor free, Jew nor Greek. How did the Fathers of the Church explain that important passage?

Dr. Constantinou discusses the epistle to the Galatians. Although the epistle is short, it is very emotional. Paul was very upset with the Christians of Galatia. What had they done? This epistle is also famous for autobiographical information that St. Paul gives us about his life, including his famous confrontation with St. Peter.

Dr. Constantinou discusses the first controversy that the the Church faced; Do you have to be Jewish to be a member of the Church? Why would this even be an issue? What developments had taken place in the Jesus movement that led to the issue? What were the arguments on each side? Who finally decided and what was the decision? How did this decision impact the Church and how did it create a precedent which we still follow today?

Surprisingly enough, St. Paul was not considered an apostle by most people in the early Church. This is unthinkable today, but it was St. Paul's reality, which at times was a tremendous challenge for him. In 2 Corinthians, Paul painfully expresses his sorrow when the Corinthians reject him because they agree with Paul's critics that he is not an apostle. How did St. Paul defend his apostleship and win them back as his beloved community and spiritual children?

Dr. Constantinou continues her study of St. Paul and his writings. In this episode she shows us passages which are the earliest written accounts of two extremely important events in Christian history. What are they and what do we learn from them?

Dr. Constantinou begins by answering a listener question about teh book of Revelation and the canon of scripture. Then she gives her attention to the Apostle Paul's letters to the Corinthians.

We are continuing our crash course on St. Paul and his epistles. Tonight we focus on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Paul wrote these letters to explain the Parousia, the Second Coming of Christ. What issues had arisen among the Christians of Thessalonika that led them to enquire about the Second Coming, and what does St.Paul say about it? Join us live tonight with Dr. Jeannie Constantinou to find out!

Dr. Constantinou begins her study of the specific letters by St. Paul, beginning with the oldest Christian document in existence: 1 Thessalonians. We will also discuss why some people dispute Paul's authorship of some of the letters and learn about how to recognize the basic structure of his letters.

What was daily life like as a Jew or Christian during the first century of the Roman Empire? St. Paul lived and interacted with the world around him, which was Roman in administration but culturally Greek. He was a Jew when the practice of Judaism was very different from the Judaism of today. Join us tonight as we seek to place and to understand St. Paul as a man immersed in the cultural and religious milieu of his time.

Paul is such an important apostle that he is referred to by the Fathers as "THE Apostle." But during his lifetime, most people did not consider him an apostle. Why not? St. Paul defended his apostleship in a very surprising way. What is the most important criteria to remember when reading Paul's epistles? How can we remember the order of his epistles? Why are they in that particular order in the Bible? Tonight we talk about these issues as well as take a peek into the world of first-century Judaism and the Greco-Roman world so we can understand Paul's life and his world. There are some internet issues with our connection to the San Diego studio so we apologize for an occasional drop out.

Dr. Constantinou begins the brand New Year with a brand new series on Saint Paul, the most influential saint in the history of the church. Why was St. Paul so important? How much do we really know about his life, his mind, and his world? Most of our epistle readings are taken from St. Paul's writings. This series will introduce St. Paul: the man, his life, and his letters.

What are we to make of the star that shone in the east? And what about the Wise Men? Learn things you never knew before from Dr. Jeannie Constantinou on this episode of Search the Scripture Live!

Dr. Constantinou discusses St. Matthew's presentation of the Nativity of the Lord. Did you ever wonder why the genealogy which is given for Christ is the ancestry of Joseph, not Mary? Why would we even know the genealogy of Jesus anyhow if He was born to a poor and apparently insignificant family? What is the importance of the Virgin birth? How do we respond to people who say that the word in Hebrew is not "virgin" but "young woman"? We will also discuss the origin of the Feast of the Nativity and explain the festal icon.

St Luke focuses on the Virgin Mary in his account of Christ's birth. How are Orthodox Christians to understand her role in salvation, her holiness, and her place in the Church? How does the Orthodox interpretation of these scriptures result in a different theology of Mary than is found among Western Christians, in particular Roman Catholics?

After completing her discussion of Mary's remarkable statements in the Magnificat, Dr. Constantinou turns her attention to St. Luke's description of the birth of Christ. What is the evangelist trying to convey to us about Christ's identity and purpose by describing his birth as Luke does?

Dr. Constantinou continues her exploration of the gospel accounts of the nativity of Christ and focuses on the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary and her visit to Elizabeth. What elements in the account echo the prophetic promises of the Old Testament? Why isn't Mary punished for asking a question, but Zecharias was? Why do the Fathers say that Mary prophesied?

Dr. Constantinou begins a study of the infancy narratives of Christ with a close look at the Annunciation of the birth of the Forerunner John. Why does Luke begin his gospel this way? Why was John so important? What valuable lessons does this story have for us? How does it reflect and anticipate the birth of Christ?

Dr. Constantinou finishes her discussion of the titles that were applied to Christ during His lifetime. Did people really call Him "Lord"? Jesus was certainly recognized by many people as the Messiah, but what did they expect the Messiah to be? How well or how poorly did He meet their expectations? Did you know that there was a Jewish tradition of a suffering Messiah? How did that idea fit in with a glorious conquering king like David?