St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Acts 21, focusing on St. Paul's return to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey. He outlines Paul’s travel route and highlights the warnings Paul received about the dangers awaiting him, including opposition from Pharisees and the possibility of martyrdom. Fr. Matthias explains the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding Paul and the early church’s collective discernment. The discussion covers cultural and religious tensions, especially regarding circumcision and Jewish customs, illustrating how Paul navigated these challenges by honoring certain laws to reach both Jews and Gentiles. Fr. Matthias also examines the significance of prophetic figures like Philip the Evangelist and the continued role of prophecy in the early church.The session ends with Paul’s arrest in the temple, the confusion among the crowd, and Paul's initial defense in Hebrew, setting the stage for upcoming events in his journey to Rome. This study highlights the intersection of faith, culture, and obedience to God’s calling.#Acts21 #BibleStudy #PaulTheApostle #HolySpiritGuidance #EarlyChurch #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this Bible study on Acts 22-23:10, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores St. Paul's defense before the Jewish council after his arrest in Jerusalem. Fr. Matthias explains how Paul emphasizes his Jewish heritage and connection to the Pharisees while presenting Christianity as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He discusses Paul’s conversion experience, including the significance of his vision on the road to Damascus and his subsequent baptism by Ananias.Fr. Matthias also examines the cultural tensions between Jews and Gentiles, the symbolic meaning of the fish as an early Christian symbol, and the importance of understanding scripture in context. He highlights Paul’s strategic communication skills, his Roman citizenship claim that spared him from scourging, and the beginning of his trial before the Sanhedrin.The study delves into the challenges Paul faced from Jewish authorities, his appeal to higher Roman authority, and the spiritual lessons on conscience, authority, and the unfolding mission to the Gentiles.#ActsBibleStudy #StPaul #ChristianTeaching #PaulTheApostle #BibleStudyWithFrMatthias #NewTestament #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Acts 23:11-24, focusing on the intense opposition St. Paul faced upon returning to Jerusalem. He discusses Paul’s defense before the Sanhedrin, where Paul skillfully divides the council by appealing to the Pharisees’ belief in the resurrection, highlighting the conflict between Pharisees and Sadducees. Fr. Matthias explains the conspiracy against Paul, the role of Roman authorities like the commander Claudius Lysias, and Paul’s transfer to Governor Felix in Caesarea for a formal trial.Fr. Matthias also provides historical context about Felix, his governance, and his interactions with Paul. The study examines the legal and cultural tensions between Jewish leaders and Roman officials, as well as Paul’s defense grounded in his Jewish faith and the Christian hope of resurrection. Felix’s mixed response to Paul’s message and the political dynamics affecting Paul’s imprisonment are also covered.#BibleStudy #Acts23 #SaintPaul #ChristianFaith #Resurrection #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this Bible study on Acts chapters 25 and 26, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the trial of St. Paul before the Roman governor Festus and King Agrippa. He examines the political and religious context of Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea, the roles of Felix and Festus as governors, and the influence of Jewish leaders in the trials. Fr. Matthias explains Paul's appeal to Caesar as a legal move to seek justice amid biased accusations and highlights Paul's defense before King Agrippa, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Christ’s resurrection.The discussion also covers Paul’s transformation from persecutor to preacher and the broader tensions between Roman authorities, Jewish leaders, and early Christians. Fr. Matthias addresses the interplay of politics, law, and faith in Paul’s journey, illustrating how Paul’s unwavering witness foreshadows his mission in Rome and ultimate martyrdom.#BibleStudy #Acts25 #Acts26 #StPaul #ChristianFaith #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Acts chapters 27 and 28, detailing the final part of St. Paul’s journey from Caesarea to Rome. He explains the geography and the challenges Paul faced, including a violent storm, shipwreck on the island of Malta, and Paul's miraculous healing ministry there. Fr. Matthias highlights Paul’s interaction with the island’s inhabitants, the continued spreading of the Gospel, and how Paul ultimately arrived in Rome.The teaching underscores Paul’s perseverance in witnessing to both Jews and Gentiles despite imprisonment. Fr. Matthias also reflects on the open-ended conclusion of Acts, emphasizing the ongoing mission of the Church today. The discussion offers insight into early Christian history, maritime travel in biblical times, and the apostolic foundation of the Church in Rome, encouraging viewers to actively engage with the message of faith.#Acts27 #Acts28 #BibleStudy #PaulTheApostle #ChristianFaith #EarlyChurch #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this fellowship meeting, Fr. James Gendi explores leadership through the lens of Sirach 10, focusing on what it means to be a godly leader. He emphasizes that Christians are called to lead in various spheres such as family, church, and community, highlighting the importance of self-leadership as well. Drawing from Scripture, Fr. James discusses leadership qualities including organization, education, humility, and emotional control, underscoring that a wise leader does not rule haphazardly but with order and purpose.He addresses the impact leaders’ choices have on their followers and communities, noting that godly leadership influences others positively. Fr. James reminds listeners that true authority and success come from the Lord, encouraging leaders to reflect Christ’s example and avoid arrogance, anger, and insolence. The talk concludes with a reminder about the fleeting nature of earthly power and the importance of humility before God.#ChristianLeadership #GodlyLeader #Sirach10 #FaithAndLeadership #HumilityInLeadership #ChristCenteredLeadership #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad examines the theme of wrong motives in the Christian life, challenging believers to reflect on why they rejoice, serve, give, pray, and fast. Drawing from Scripture, including the parables of the prodigal son and teachings of Christ in the Gospel of John and Matthew, Fr. Matthias highlights the difference between external actions and the true intentions of the heart.He discusses how followers of Christ may mistakenly pursue spiritual gifts, recognition, or personal gain rather than genuine relationship with God. Using examples like Judas and the crowd at Palm Sunday, he uncovers common pitfalls in motivations and urges self-examination.Fr. Matthias explains that while starting with wrong motives can be part of spiritual growth, believers are called to mature into doing good for the right reasons—out of love and sincere faith. He emphasizes God’s patience and encourages striving for purity of heart in all aspects of the spiritual life.#ChristianLife #RightMotives #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #HeartOfWorship #BiblicalTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the significance of Christ’s circumcision as a transition from the Old Testament law to the New Testament grace, highlighting the fulfillment of the covenant with Abraham and the introduction of baptism as a new covenant. He discusses the prophecy of St. Simeon regarding the rise and fall of many, illustrating this through contrasts such as corrupt versus pure, powerful versus helpless, Pharisees versus disciples, and self-righteous versus repentant.Fr. Matthias explains how Christ’s coming ushered in a new order emphasizing faith, repentance, and spiritual transformation rather than strict adherence to the law. He emphasizes the shift from the old law’s focus on works to the new law’s focus on love and the Spirit working in believers’ hearts.This sermon invites reflection on the transformation brought by Christ’s incarnation and encourages living according to the new creation we have become in Him.#ChristCircumcision #NewCovenant #FaithAndRepentance #SpiritualTransformation #OldToNewTestament #SaintPaulHouston #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the commandment from Matthew 5:44 to love your enemies, explaining why this is a distinctive and challenging call for Christians. He discusses the types of love that do not lead to heavenly reward, including loving only those who love us, claiming to love God while hating others, and professing love without obedience to God’s commandments.Fr. Matthias clarifies common misconceptions about loving enemies, emphasizing that it is not based on feelings but on actions like not returning evil for evil, serving those in need, and praying for those who harm us. He highlights the spiritual benefits of loving enemies, such as becoming like God, receiving divine rewards like peace and forgiveness, and freeing ourselves from emotional trauma.Drawing from Scripture, Fr. Matthias encourages embracing this commandment as a means to grow in holiness and experience true freedom through forgiveness and love, even when it seems difficult or impractical.#LoveYourEnemies #ChristianTeaching #Matthew5444 #Forgiveness #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of spiritual blindness by examining Christ’s rebuke of the Pharisees as “blind guides” who failed to recognize their own wickedness and spiritual darkness. He explains how everyone is born into spiritual darkness and must be led into the light by Christ, who reveals the truth about God and ourselves.Fr. Matthias details the process of spiritual healing, beginning with seeing the truth about God and oneself, then understanding and applying this knowledge, followed by turning away from sin despite the pain involved, leading to true healing. He emphasizes that faith in Christ, who is the light of the world, requires a willingness to change and grow in holiness.The sermon challenges believers to confront their own blindness, to reject judgment of others, and to actively seek and walk in the light of Christ. It stresses the urgency of this choice before hearts harden, urging sincere self-examination and spiritual renewal.#SpiritualBlindness #FaithInChrist #LightOfTheWorld #SpiritualHealing #ChristianSermon #WalkInTheLight #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org