A Coptic Orthodox Journey through the Bible

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A verse-by-verse Bible Study from the Coptic Orthodox Christian perspective. Geared for those who want to understand the Bible from the perspective of one of the most ancient churches in the world. Established in the first century in Egypt by St. Mark the Evangelist, the Coptic Orthodox Church has spread to the four corners of the world. These podcasts were originally prepared for the college and young professionals of St. Mary & St. Antonious Coptic Orthodox Church in Milwaukee, WI. Please keep this service in your prayers. For more information, visit the church's website: wiscopts.net

  1. 1d ago

    Epistle to the Colossians Chapter 2

    Each chapter of this epistle leads us deeper into Christ. The first chapter is “Christ is depth.” In that chapter, St. Paul laid out the themes he would be addressing in this letter which included responding to heresies (Judaizers & Gnosticism) and the preeminence of Christ. St. Paul emphasized Christ’s divinity, for example v19 reads, “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell.” - all the fullness of God. St. Paul is very clear that Christ is God. He is the Depth, who brings us forth into the knowledge of the eternally hidden mystery, and who grants us the hope to enjoy heaven.  In this chapter, CHRIST IS THE HEIGHT: here St. Paul discusses that when we get established in Him. Let our roots go deep which holds us steady as we reach up to deepen our relationship with Him, we will have everything we need. Christ lifts us above the false traditions of men and the Jews who demand we follow the OT law so that we can enjoy the spiritual circumcision which is realized through baptism.  St. Paul writes this so we can understand and intentionally strive for Christ, not only to come to Him but to also stay with Him through life’s ups/downs.

  2. Oct 27

    Epistle to the Colossians Introduction & Chapter 1

    When St. Paul was imprisoned in Rome (probably in the spring of AD 61), he was still allowed to receive visitors, and they brought him news of churches throughout the Roman empire. At some point, Epaphras visited him and told him about Colossae—of their love and faith, but also of problems—notably of Judaizers and Gnostic heresies sweeping through the area. When Epaphras brought St. Paul news of its popularity in Colossae and the surrounding areas. St. Paul was moved to write to the Colossians under Epaphras’ care so that they would not be “deluded by smooth-talk” (2:4), but would be filled with a truly spiritual wisdom to lead a life worthy of the Lord (1:9, 10). In this chapter St. Paul offers thanksgiving/prayer for the Colossians who has never met. He also discusses the preeminence of Christ in creation and the preeminence of Christ in the Church. This chapter concludes with St. Paul speaking about his service and ministry.

  3. Oct 20

    Epistle to the Philippians Chapter 4

    In turning to this chapter, St. Paul has already used himself multiple times as an example. He has joy with the Philippians. As he sits in prison, he is content. He shared that that contentment comes from focusing on Christ. Our Lord and Savior who always loves us. He also shares that their faith and strength add to his joy. In this chapter, St. Paul emphasizes how we may have joy in everything. He shares with us a way to analyze our thoughts to ensure we recognize the source of those thoughts and whether they will bring us closer to God or not. This chapter is a wonderful way for him to complete his epistle on joy.

  4. Oct 13

    Epistle to the Philippians Chapter 3

    So far in Philippians we discussed “Joy in the midst of suffering” in chapter 1 and “Joy in the ministry in chapter 2. In this chapter, St. Paul discusses “Joy in the Lord.” He returns to a theme familiar to those who have read some of his other epistles - false teachers, Judaizers. As a reminder, Judaizers are Jews who came to believe in Christ but still insist that Gentile Christians must also follow the Law of Moses (all the laws outlined in the OT), such as circumcision. His approach is a little different here because in other cities St. Paul discusses Judaizers to respond to this issue happening in those cities and people being pulled away from Christ. However, this was not a current issue in Philippi; instead, St. Paul is warning them of the danger so that they can be prepared. Thus his language is a little different. It makes sense that this is not yet happening in Philippi because as you may remember from the introduction to Philippians, there is a very small Jewish community in the city. As we mentioned in chapter 1, there is not even a synagogue. Thus, St. Paul will discuss himself as he warns them about the danger of false teachers and that our reward is in taking Joy in the Lord and following Our Lord and Savior.  Additionally, St. Paul reminds them that a true Christian should not trust fleshly accomplishments. They should move forward towards righteousness. We should look forward to the resurrection of the dead.  Again the main focus of this epistle is joy. St. Paul always rejoiced in the Philippians. They were always striving for Christ, focused on their faith in God, and they did not have divisions among them as other churches did.

  5. Oct 6

    Epistle to the Philippians Chapter 2

    The theme for chapter 2 is “Joy in the ministry.” St. Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and humility in our lives. He holds Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ up for us as an example. Christ voluntarily humbled Himself by becoming a human, then He experienced the crucifixion and resurrection for us. St. Paul shares this because Jesus Christ is our ultimate role model. After holding Our Lord up as a role model, St. Paul reminds us that we must be a light to the world and set an example to bring others to Christ through our words and actions. In the last part of this chapter, he expresses his love and joy for the Philippians, those he ministers to, and for those who have supported him.  In a sense, this chapter is really about our perception, our focus, and our priority. If we focus on God and living our life dedicated to Him then nothing else will matter to us.

  6. Sep 29

    Epistle to the Philippians Introduction & Chapter 1

    The major theme of the entire epistle is joy. It is a joy that comes from God through difficult circumstances. It demonstrates to us a portrait of the believer as a saint, who, despite suffering in difficult situations, is always rejoicing in the Lord. The world cannot deprive us of the comfort in Jesus Christ, or of experiencing the spiritual victory over difficult circumstances. Chapter 1 focuses on joy amid suffering. After greeting them, St. Paul explains to the Philippians that they are a source of joy to St. Paul. He explains why he loves them and what he prays for, then he explains his situation in Rome because they were concerned for him.

  7. Sep 15

    Epistle to the Ephesians Chapter 6

    In the first 3 chapters of this epistle St. Paul presented theological arguments. In chapter 4, he begins discussing the practical application of how to live as a Christian. He begins broadly and with each chapter goes deeper and more personal. Here he explains how we all live together in unity, in one family, one Body. To meet this divine love practically, we have to be widening our hearts to one another to carry the unity of the spirit. St. Paul does not suggest that we walk in unity, he pleads with us to do so. In chapter 5 we are shown that our life in Christ should be manifested in our individual life, worship and behavior. All of our actions should reflect "a sacrifice to God." When we live like this our worship is not separated from our behavior. By the end of the chapter, St. Paul narrows the focus until we reach the household and how a husband and wife should interact with, and treat each other.  This brings us to the current chapter. Here he explains the responsibility of the children towards their parents and the responsibility of the parents towards their children. Then he addresses the issue of slavery and the responsibilities of slaves towards masters and masters towards slaves. After that he encourages believers to walk in the might of God, which we do by putting on the whole armor of God. Thus after going through practical steps for these last few chapters, the armor of God is an overall piece of practical advice to protect us from Satan.

  8. Sep 1

    Epistle to the Ephesians Chapter 5

    In Ch 4 we were instructed to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. We should walk in unity and purity. In this chapter we are urged to walk in love, light and wisdom. Additionally, the church is to accept God's call to enjoy the new life in Christ. And this new life is manifested in our individual life, worship and behavior. All of our actions should reflect "a sacrifice to God." When we live like this our worship is not separated from our behavior. In this chapter, St. Paul continues from the last chapter to show practically how to live this life. As we go through this chapter, St. Paul narrows the focus until we reach the household and how a husband and wife should interact with each other. Beginning from v22 of this chapter through the beginning of Chapter 6 is the portion of the Pauline Epistle read at weddings in the Coptic Orthodox tradition.

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A verse-by-verse Bible Study from the Coptic Orthodox Christian perspective. Geared for those who want to understand the Bible from the perspective of one of the most ancient churches in the world. Established in the first century in Egypt by St. Mark the Evangelist, the Coptic Orthodox Church has spread to the four corners of the world. These podcasts were originally prepared for the college and young professionals of St. Mary & St. Antonious Coptic Orthodox Church in Milwaukee, WI. Please keep this service in your prayers. For more information, visit the church's website: wiscopts.net

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