ORTHODOXY AND THE BIBLE

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS
When one visits an Orthodox Church they will be struck(if they are acquainted with the Bible) by how much the Bible, the Holy Scriptures, are quoted, sung, read, prayed, and referred to. We know that Jesus established the Church, and said "I will build my church, and the gates of hades will not prevail against it".(Mt. 16:18,19) And we know that the Church is founded upon the teachings of the "apostles and prophets"(Eph. 2:20-22), Jesus being the chief cornerstone. And we know that the Church "is the pillar and ground of the truth(1 Tim. 3:15). We know that where the Church is the Holy Spirit is there!!! And we know the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. And we know that the Holy Spirit inspired the Holy Scriptures(2 Tim. 3:16,17). It's true that the Scriptures flowed out of the Church. But it's also true that the Church flowed out of the Holy Scriptures. As the Word was preached, people were converted, baptized, and the church grew(Acts 6:7). It's also true that the Church was given the Scriptures as "bread from heaven", the scriptures are food for the soul, they are instruction in righteousness.


ARTICLES ON HOLY SCRIPTURE
> How To Read The Bible by Met. Kallistos Ware
www.oca.org/reflections/misc-authors/how-to-read-the-bible
> Which Came First? The Church Or The New Testament?
www.orthodoxinfo.com/inquirers/whichcamefirst.aspx

AWESOME PODCASTS ON HOLY SCRIPTURE
> Search The Scriptures
Bible Commentaies by Dr Jeannie Constantinou
www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/searchthescriptures

BOOKS TO READ
> "Whose Bible Is It?" by Jaroslav Pelikan