Production Document: Bible Commentary
Series on the Gospel of Matthew
Introduction
This series will provide an in-depth exploration of the Gospel of Matthew, incorporating
teachings from both Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Church Fathers. Each episode will delve into
key themes, scripture passages, and historical insights, aiming to engage and inspire viewers in
their faith journey.
Episode Breakdown
1. The Birth and Early Life of Jesus (Episodes 1-3)
Episode 1: The Genealogy and Birth of Christ (Matthew 1:1-25)
Theme: Christ’s divine lineage and fulfillment of prophecy.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 1:1-25
Church Fathers:
o St. John Chrysostom: Emphasizes Christ's rightful place in Jewish history.
o St. Cyril of Alexandria: Discusses the significance of the Virgin Birth.
Application & Visuals: Family trees, nativity scenes.
Episode 2: The Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12)
Theme: Recognition of Christ by the Gentiles.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Church Fathers:
o St. Gregory of Nyssa: Reflects on the Magi as seekers of truth.
o St. Ephrem the Syrian: Highlights the significance of gifts brought to Christ.
Application & Visuals: Imagery of the Magi's journey.
Episode 3: Flight to Egypt and Return (Matthew 2:13-23)
Theme: God’s protection over His Son.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23
Church Fathers:
o St. Athanasius: Discusses the importance of divine protection.
o St. Ignatius of Antioch: Speaks on the early life of Christ as a model for
believers.
Application & Visuals: Depictions of the Holy Family's journey.
2. The Ministry of John the Baptist (Episodes 4-5)
Episode 4: John’s Ministry and Baptism (Matthew 3:1-12)
Theme: Preparation for Christ’s coming.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12
Church Fathers:
o St. John Chrysostom: Emphasizes the call to repentance.
o St. Basil the Great: Reflects on the significance of baptism.
Application & Visuals: Scenes of baptism and repentance.
Episode 5: The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17)
Theme: The revelation of the Trinity.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17
Church Fathers:
o St. Cyril of Jerusalem: Discusses the significance of Christ's baptism.
o St. Gregory of Nazianzus: Highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit’s
presence.
Application & Visuals: Visual representations of the baptism.
3. The Temptation of Christ (Episodes 6-7)
Episode 6: Jesus’ Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11)
Theme: Christ’s victory over temptation.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11
Church Fathers:
o St. Augustine: Reflects on the nature of temptation.
o St. John Chrysostom: Teaches about Christ's strength in facing evil.
Application & Visuals: Illustrate temptation and spiritual resilience.
Episode 7: The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry (Matthew 4:12-25)
Theme: Call to discipleship.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 4:12-25
Church Fathers:
o St. John Chrysostom: Highlights the immediate response of the disciples.
o St. Ephrem the Syrian: Discusses the importance of following Christ.
Application & Visuals: Depictions of calling and discipleship.
4. The Sermon on the Mount (Episodes 8-12)
Episode 8: Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)
Theme: Kingdom values.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12
Church Fathers:
o St. Augustine: On the radical nature of the Beatitudes.
o St. Basil the Great: Emphasizes the transformative power of these teachings.
Application & Visuals: Artistic representations of the Beatitudes.
Episode 9: Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)
Theme: Christian witness.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16
Church Fathers:
o St. Gregory of Nyssa: Discusses the role of Christians in society.
o St. Cyril of Alexandria: Urges believers to reflect God’s light.
Application & Visuals: Visuals of light and salt in daily life.
Episode 10: Christ Fulfills the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)
Theme: Understanding the Law.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20
Church Fathers:
o St. Irenaeus: Discusses the continuity of God’s revelation.
o St. Augustine: Teaches about the deeper meaning of the Law.
Application & Visuals: Illustrate the relationship between Law and grace.
Episode 11: Teachings on Anger, Lust, and Divorce (Matthew 5:21-32)
Theme: Internal righteousness.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 5:21-32
Church Fathers:
o St. John Chrysostom: Emphasizes the heart’s intent over mere actions.
o St. Gregory the Theologian: Discusses purity and the sanctity of marriage.
Application & Visuals: Depict scenarios of moral choices.
Episode 12: Love for Enemies and the Golden Rule (Matthew 5:38-48)
Theme: Radical love and forgiveness.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48
Church Fathers:
o St. Clement of Alexandria: Discusses the challenges of loving enemies.
o St. Basil the Great: Teaches about the necessity of love in the Christian life.
Application & Visuals: Show acts of love and reconciliation.
5. Miracles and Teachings (Episodes 13-17)
Episode 13: Healing Miracles (Matthew 8:1-17)
Theme: Christ’s compassion.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 8:1-17
Church Fathers:
o St. Ephrem the Syrian: Highlights the healing nature of Christ.
o St. John Chrysostom: Discusses faith and healing.
Application & Visuals: Visuals of healing miracles.
Episode 14: Calming the Storm (Matthew 8:23-27)
Theme: Trust in Christ amidst chaos.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 8:23-27
Church Fathers:
o St. Gregory of Nyssa: Discusses faith in divine providence.
o St. Cyril of Alexandria: Reflects on Christ’s authority over nature.
Application & Visuals: Scenes of nature and tranquility.
Episode 15: The Faith of the Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13)
Theme: Faith beyond boundaries.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 8:5-13
Church Fathers:
o St. John Chrysostom: Highlights the power of faith.
o St. Augustine: Discusses humility in faith.
Application & Visuals: Illustrate the Centurion’s faith.
Episode 16: The Calling of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13)
Theme: Jesus calls the marginalized.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13
Church Fathers:
o St. Ambrose: Discusses Jesus’ outreach to sinners.
o St. John Chrysostom: Emphasizes repentance and inclusion.
Application & Visuals: Visuals of acceptance and grace.
Episode 17: Jesus Heals a Woman and Raises a Girl (Matthew 9:18-26)
Theme: Hope and restoration.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 9:18-26
Church Fathers:
o St. Gregory of Nazianzus: Reflects on the power of faith in desperate situations.
o St. Cyril of Jerusalem: Discusses the significance of healing.
Application & Visuals: Illustrate restoration and hope.
6. Teachings on Discipleship and the Kingdom (Episodes 18-
22)
Episode 18: Teachings on Humility and Forgiveness (Matthew 18:1-35)
Theme: Childlike faith and mercy.
Focus Scripture: Matthew 18:1-35
Church Fathers:
o St. Augustine: On the importance of humility.
o St. Basil the Great: Discusses the necessity of forgiveness.
Application & Visuals: Depict interactions emphasizing
