The Orthodox Study Bible

1. What is The Orthodox Study Bible by Anonymous about?

• Comprehensive Orthodox Commentary: The Orthodox Study Bible by Anonymous is a detailed study Bible that presents both the Old and New Testaments with commentary rooted in the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition.
• Integration of Scripture and Tradition: It combines biblical text with insights from the Church Fathers, Orthodox liturgy, and traditional theology, offering historical, spiritual, and doctrinal context.
• Focus on Key Themes: Major themes include the Holy Trinity, the Incarnation, salvation history, the role of the Church, and the process of deification (theosis).
• Liturgical and Practical Use: The Bible is designed for both personal study and liturgical use, providing prayers, lectionaries, and guidance for spiritual growth.

2. Why should I read The Orthodox Study Bible by Anonymous?

• Unique Orthodox Perspective: The book offers a perspective often missing in mainstream study Bibles, emphasizing the ancient faith, patristic commentary, and Orthodox liturgical context.
• Deep Theological Insights: Readers gain a richer understanding of Scripture, including typology, prophecy, and the fulfillment of Old Testament events in Christ and the Church.
• Practical Spiritual Guidance: The commentary connects biblical teachings to daily Christian living, encouraging virtues like humility, repentance, and perseverance.
• Spiritual Formation: It supports spiritual growth by linking Scripture to prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and participation in the sacraments.

3. What are the key takeaways and major themes of The Orthodox Study Bible by Anonymous?

• Christ as Fulfillment: Jesus Christ is presented as the center of salvation history, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, types, and covenants.
• The Holy Trinity: The unity and distinctness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are foundational, with the Trinity revealed throughout Scripture.
• Salvation and Theosis: Salvation is seen as a process involving faith, works, sacraments, and the ultimate goal of deification—becoming partakers of the divine nature.
• Church and Sacraments: The Church is the Body of Christ, the New Israel, and the locus of worship, sacraments, and spiritual life.

4. Who is the author of The Orthodox Study Bible and what is its background?

• Anonymous Compilation: The Orthodox Study Bible is compiled by anonymous Orthodox scholars and theologians, reflecting the collective wisdom of the Orthodox Church.
• Rooted in Tradition: It draws from the Septuagint, ancient manuscripts, and the writings of the Church Fathers, emphasizing continuity with early Christianity.
• Liturgical and Historical Context: The commentary situates biblical events within their historical and liturgical settings, enhancing understanding of Scripture’s original context.
• Communal Authorship: The anonymity underscores the communal and traditional nature of Orthodox biblical interpretation.

5. How does The Orthodox Study Bible by Anonymous differ from other study Bibles?

• Septuagint Old Testament: It uses the Septuagint (LXX) as the basis for the Old Testament, aligning with Orthodox tradition rather than the Hebrew Masoretic text.
• Patristic and Liturgical Commentary: The notes and articles are based on the teachings of the Church Fathers and Orthodox liturgical practice, not just modern scholarship.
• Emphasis on Theosis: The concept of deification (theosis) is central, highlighting the transformative goal of Christian life.
• Integration of Tradition: The Bible stresses the inseparability of Scripture and Holy Tradition, guiding interpretation through the mind of the Church.

6. What is the significance of the Holy Trinity in The Orthodox Study Bible by Anonymous?

• Central Doctrine: The Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is foundational, with the unity and distinct roles of each Person emphasized throughout the commentary.
• Revealed in Scripture: Both Old and New Testaments are interpreted as revealing the Trinity, with key passages highlighted and explained.
• Role in Creation and Salvation: The Trinity is shown as active in creation, redemption, and sanctification, with each Person contributing uniquely to God’s plan.
• Liturgical Affirmation: Orthodox worship and prayers consistently affirm the Trinity, shaping the believer’s understanding and experience of God.

7. How does The Orthodox Study Bible by Anonymous explain the relationship between faith, works, and salvation?

• Synergy of Faith and Works: Salvation is described as a dynamic process involving both faith and works, with faith being living and expressed through righteous deeds.
• Grace and Human Cooperation: The book teaches synergism—salvation is a gift of grace, but requires human cooperation and perseverance.
• Sacramental Participation: Baptism, chrismation, and the Eucharist are essential for entering and growing in the life of grace.
• Scriptural Examples: Figures like Abraham are cited as models of active, persevering faith that is justified by both belief and action.

8. What is the Orthodox understanding of the Church and its role according to The Orthodox Study Bible by Anonymous?

• Body of Christ: The Church is described as the unified, renewed humanity—the Body of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.
• Sacramental and Liturgical Life: The Church is the center of worship, sacraments, and spiritual growth, where believers participate in the heavenly liturgy.
• Authority and Tradition: The Church is the interpreter of Scripture, guided by apostolic tradition, councils, and the teachings of the Fathers.
• Unity and Diversity: The Church is one in essence but diverse in gifts and ministries, with each member contributing to the whole.

9. How does The Orthodox Study Bible by Anonymous interpret the Old Testament, especially regarding typology and prophecy?

• Typology of Christ: Old Testament figures, events, and rituals are seen as types that prefigure Christ and the Church, with detailed commentary on their fulfillment in the New Testament.
• Prophetic Fulfillment: Prophecies are interpreted Christologically, showing how Jesus fulfills messianic expectations and inaugurates the New Covenant.
• Liturgical Continuity: The feasts, sacrifices, and priesthood of Israel are explained as foreshadowing the sacraments and worship of the Church.
• Spiritual and Moral Lessons: The Old Testament is also read for its spiritual and ethical teachings, relevant for Christian life today.

10. What is the process and significance of deification (theosis) in The Orthodox Study Bible by Anonymous?

• Participation in Divine Nature: Theosis is the process by which believers become partakers of the divine nature through grace, not by essence but by transformation.
• Synergy of Faith and Grace: It requires cooperation between human free will and God’s uncreated energies, involving growth in virtues and love.
• Ultimate Goal of Salvation: Theosis is presented as the fulfillment of salvation, where the Church is progressively filled with the fullness of God.
• Present and Future Reality: Deification is both a present experience through the sacraments and a future hope in the Kingdom of God.

11. How does The Orthodox Study Bible by Anonymous address suffering, spiritual warfare, and the Christian life?

• Suffering as Participation: Suffering is seen as a means of sharing in Christ’s sufferings, leading to spiritual maturity and hope in resurrection.
• Spiritual Warfare: The Bible emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare against sin, the devil, and passions, encouraging vigilance, prayer, and virtue.
• Practical Guidance: The commentary offers advice on repentance, humility, perseverance, and the use of spiritual disciplines like fasting and almsgiving.
• Victory in Christ: Believers are assured of victory through Christ’s power, the support of the Church, and the hope of eternal life.

12. What are the best quotes from The Orthodox Study Bible by Anonymous and what do they mean?

• “If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile” (1Co 15:17): Emphasizes the centrality of the Resurrection to Christian faith and hope.
• “He who when He could take vengeance, chose instead to be sacrificed.” (Ambrose of Milan): Highlights Christ’s mercy and self-sacrifice as the model for Christian living.
• “Your own of Your own we offer unto You, in behalf of all and for all.”: From the Divine Liturgy, expressing the self-giving nature of Christian worship and the Eucharist.
• “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.” (1 Corinthians 13:12): Explains the use of icons and the anticipation of full revelation in Christ’s return.