Module 3 Take-Home Exercises
Part 1
We discussed that, when reading the Old Testament, we need to learn the background of what is happening, the style of writing (poetry vs. story, symbol vs. literal, etc.) along with the spiritual message. We also have to look for Christ in the Old Testament. The section about Melchizedek seems randomly inserted in Genesis and is complicated to read about later in The Epistle to the Hebrews. We will learn here how to find resources to make this easier. One of your key starter resources going forward will be commentaries by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty because he pulls in many comments from the early church.
Read Genesis 14:8-20 (Melchizedek)
Reference: Please follow these steps so you can learn the process. Go to https://www.dpskchurch.org/bible-commentaries OR https://www.stminahamilton.ca/groups/servants/bible-commentary-books. Fr. Tadros's books can also be found on amazon.com for the Kindle app for $0.99 each. He has written commentaries on all books of the Bible with a patristic focus and they can be found either with the links provided, amazon, or by simply searching on google. Bookmark these resources. Open the PDF called “Genesis” on the website. If you encounter any trouble then use this alternate link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DPNXR5sbMUYHf-ZdE5jd7DlEw0qgg7MH/view?usp=sharing. Go to Chapter 14 and find the small section on Melchizedek.
Next, read The Epistle to the Hebrews 6:19-7:28 slowly. For brief context, the author in Hebrews is writing to a Jewish community. The author is showing them how Jesus Christ is superior to the angels, the law of Moses, the priesthood of Aaron and provides us with so much more than the Old Covenant.
Answer these two questions (200 word minimum)
Who is Melchizedek ? What does he have to do with Christ? Use the church fathers in your answer.
The message of early Christianity is that Jesus Christ was superior to the old covenant law; completing it and giving us something greater. How does the Epistle to the Hebrews use Melchizedek as proof that Christ is greater?
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Part 2
Read The Gospel of St. John Chapter 3 verses 1-21 (Jesus & Nicodemus)
Reference 1: Please follow these steps so you can learn the process. Download and open the UpperRoomMedia App. Click the following path. Sermons -> Categories -> Bible Studies -> John-> “John 3:1-16 Born Again” by H.G. Bishop Youssef. If you are stuck then click the backup link: https://subspla.sh/7gw6m8s but PLEASE try to follow the steps instead so you understand the “how” of findings resources to understand scripture.
Reference 2: Open the Orthodox Study Bible to that section in the Gospel of St. John. Read the explanations in the footnotes as you go verse by verse. Read the small essay called “The New Birth.”
Contemplate (200 word minimum). What is the importance of Christ’s discussion with Nicodimus? What does this part of the Bible mean for your relationship with God?
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Part 3
Read St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans Chapter 1
Reference 1: Please follow these steps so you can learn the process. Download and open the UpperRoomMedia App. Click the following path. Sermons -> Categories -> Bible Studies -> Romans -> “Romans 1 - Non-Conventional Mishaps” by Fr. Anthony Paul. If you are stuck then click the backup link: https://subsplash.com/upperroommedia/lb/mi/+4hbhf4z but PLEASE try to follow the steps instead so you understand the “how” of studying scripture.
Reference 2: Please download the "Catena" app (Apple https://apps.apple.com/us/app/catena-bible-commentaries/id1218663640 Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.catena&hl=en_US&gl=US ). Select the "Settings" icon (gear shaped) in the bottom right-hand corner. Scroll to the section labeled "Commentaries". Select "Early Fathers" instead of the default, "All Commentaries". Below those options you will find a toggle button for "Non-Canonized Bible Scholars". Keep that off. Return to the text by selecting the book icon on the bottom left. Select the current book name at the top and change to "Romans". By clicking on each verse individually you will have access to commentaries from many church fathers.
Notes about Catena: St John Chrysostom will mostly have the easiest concepts in his commentaries so we highly recommend starting with him. Other acceptable fathers include, but are not limited to: Irenaeus of Lyons, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, Clement of Rome, Clement of Alexandria, Melito of Sardis, Hippolytus of Rome, Cyprian, Athanaius, Cyril of Alexandria, Cyril of Jerusalem, Gregory of Nazianzus (the Theologian), Gregory of Nyssa, Basil, Jerome, Ambrose (Ambrosiaster as well), Ephrem the Syrian. If you are unsure about a certain writer/father, please text us :)
Contemplation (200 word minimum). Please pick one or two ideas in this chapter that stood out to you. Explain the background of what is the main message in those sections. Use the sayings of the fathers and the sermon to explain these ideas. What have you learned that you may not have known before or what does this imply for your spiritual life?