Courses

A study of the basic principles of biblical Greek for students who have not had Greek or who need an extensive review in the elements of the language. 3 hours each term. One section each of NT5101 and NT5102 will be an honors Greek section. The purpose of honors Greek is to gain greater facility in the Greek language as a preparation for more thorough exegesis in the New Testament. Besides the standard requirements for NT5101–NT5102, honors Greek will focus on increased vocabulary and composition from English to Greek. No previous study of Greek is required.

A study of the grammar and syntax of the Greek New Testament and an introduction to New Testament textual criticism. Prerequisite: NT5101–NT5102 Elements of Greek or a satisfactory score on the advanced standing exam. 3 hours.

An introduction to exegetical procedures and practice of exegesis in various New Testament genres, with an emphasis on Ephesians. Procedures include outlining the argument of passages, doing word studies, validating exegetical decisions, and using exegetical tools properly. Prerequisite: NT5103 Intermediate Greek or a satisfactory score on the advanced standing exam. 3 hours.

An exegetical study of Romans, emphasizing the theological content and development of the book. Prerequisite: NT5104 Introduction to New Testament Exegesis. 3 hours.

A study of the historical background and canon of the New Testament, an evaluation of New Testament criticism, and an examination of special introductory problems of selected New Testament books. The student will become acquainted with first-century works and issues as well as interact with the contemporary debates that directly relate to the origins of Christianity. Students may substitute NT5400 The New Testament in Contemporary Culture for NT5110 but may only take one or the other. 2 hours.

An intensive study of the grammar of New Testament Greek, based on the grammars of A. T. Robertson and Blass-Debrunner, and an inductive study of selected portions of the New Testament. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in NT5104 Introduction to New Testament Exegesis. 3 hours.

Reading of those books of the New Testament not covered in other courses, with approximately 100 pages in Nestle’s text covered. Cannot be taken for PhD credit. Prerequisite: NT5103 Intermediate Greek. 2 hours.

A study of the materials, history, and praxis of New Testament textual criticism, with emphasis on examination of manuscripts and analysis of competing text-critical theories. Enrollment limited to 20 students. Prerequisite: NT5104 Introduction to New Testament Exegesis. 3 hours.

This course is an investigation into the accents of New Testament Greek with specific emphasis on their use in the New Testament. Students will learn the rules of accentuation in order to understand their application to word formation, reading, and translation in the Greek New Testament. Special emphasis will be placed upon passages in which accentuation affects exegesis and interpretation. 2 hours.

A study of exegetical method in the Gospels, including a literary analysis of Jesus’s miracles and parables, the use of extrabiblical resources, a look at biblical theology of the Gospels, and issues tied to the historical Jesus. 3 hours.

An exegesis of the Gospel with a primary focus on the five discourse sections and their application to making disciples. 3 hours.

Exegesis of the Greek text of Mark, with attention to source criticism, exegetical method, narrative argument, and theology of the book. 3 hours.

An exegetical examination of the Gospel of Luke, with concentration on exegetical method in narrative material, Synoptic comparisons, the narrative argument, the theology of the Gospel, and preparation of narrative material for preaching and teaching. 3 hours.

An exegetical study of John’s Gospel, emphasizing Johannine narrative techniques, theology, and historicity. 3 hours.

An exposition of the theological argument of the Book of Acts, with attention to hermeneutical principles and historical issues involved in the interpretation of historical narrative. 3 hours.

An exegetical study of the Epistle of 1 Corinthians, with attention to selected theological issues in the epistle and their application to contemporary church life. 3 hours.

An exegetical study of Galatians with special attention to the New Perspective on Paul and its impact on interpretation of the epistle. 3 hours.

Exegesis of the Greek text of Colossians and Philemon, with special attention to the social and historical context of the books (e.g., family and slavery). Emphasis also will be placed on contemporary application of the message and the theology of the Prison Epistles. 2 hours.

Exegesis of the Greek text of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, with attention to the grammatical, structural, and eschatological problems. 2 hours.

Exegesis of the Greek text of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, with attention to relevance to contemporary church life and Christian experience. 2 hours.

Exegesis of the Greek text of the Epistle to the Hebrews, with consideration of the use of the Old Testament in the letter. 3 hours.

Exegesis of the Greek text of 1 and 2 Peter and Jude, with attention to the problems of introduction, interpretation, and the theology of these epistles. 2 hours.

Exegesis of the Greek text of 1, 2, and 3 John, with consideration of the theology of these epistles and their relationship to the Gospel of John. 2 hours.

Exegesis of the Greek text of the Book of Revelation, with emphasis on the unique interpretive problems of the book. 3 hours.

An examination of New Testament biblical introduction that interacts with key issues about the Bible in the public square and university contexts. This course will engage in discussion of contemporary issues about the origins of the Jesus tradition, the apostolic teaching, the New Testament as a canon, and the origins of Christian orthodoxy as seen in the New Testament and important collateral writings of the period. Attention will be given to major first-century cultural features, both Jewish and Greco-Roman, that serve as a backdrop for the original Christian message leading to a greater appreciation of the New Testament message. The course will also treat how such issues impact one’s understanding of Scripture as inspired by God. Students may substitute NT5400 The New Testament in Contemporary Culture for NT5110 but may only take one or the other. Prerequisite: ST5101 Theological Method and Bibliology. 3 hours.

A study of the backgrounds to the ministry of Christ, a survey of His ministry in the Gospels, with primary focus on the Synoptics, and consideration of how to study the Gospels. Special attention will be given to evaluation of recent critical discussions of the life of Christ, including such topics as the quest for the historical Jesus and the Jesus Seminar. Open to non-Greek students. 3 hours.

An examination of the history, method, and approach of Historical Jesus studies to Jesus’s life in general and to specific key events in Jesus’s ministry. The student will be equipped to interact with current discussion and debate on the Historical Jesus and to understand the ways in which such discussion and debate are undertaken. 3 hours.

A study of the historical and theological relationship between the historical Jesus and the apostle Paul. 3 hours.

A critical survey and exploration of ancient literature to give the student exposure to a wide variety of ancient literary sources, with a focus on methodology and specific texts that have significance for New Testament exegesis. 3 hours.

A course utilizing nonliterary sources (i.e., inscriptions, papyri, ostraca, coins, art, and the findings of archaeology) to illuminate various cities and cultural topics of the ancient world and thus shed light on the contexts of certain New Testament books. This will be a visuals-based course and will focus on the day-to-day life in New Testament times. 3 hours.

An exegetical examination of selected New Testament texts related to sexual ethics (sexuality, singleness, marriage, and family), with attention to biblical theology and contemporary application. New Testament passages on such topics as divorce, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, celibacy, and the significance of the physical body will be studied in the course. Prerequisite: NT5104 Introduction to New Testament Exegesis. 2 or 3 hours.

A survey of the theology of the New Testament organized around the distinctive contributions of the particular authors. The course emphasizes biblical theology and the inherent categories of the New Testament text itself. Emphasis is placed on key themes and texts within each author and how they contribute to the broad sweep of New Testament theology. Prerequisite: NT5104 Introduction to New Testament Exegesis. 3 hours.

Independent research on some aspect of New Testament studies not specifically treated in other courses. Credit is allowed proportionate to the amount of work but not to exceed 4 credit hours in any one subject of study. Limited to advanced students and subject to consent of the professor. 1–4 hours.

Independent research and writing of a thesis on an approved topic under the supervision of two faculty advisors. Students will have one calendar year to complete the thesis. If the thesis is not completed by the end of a year, students will be registered in NT5903. Enrollment requires consent of the department. 2 or 3 hours.

The thesis continuation course is required of all students writing a thesis who are beyond one year in the thesis process. Thesis continuation is permitted for a maximum of one additional term (for a 2-hour thesis, including summer) or two additional terms (for a 3-hour thesis, including summer). 1 hour.

This course is designed for students who choose to participate in special conferences, training, or programs that are more formal in nature and require student participation other than a standard independent study. Approved special topics will provide expertise or training not specifically covered in the seminary curriculum. Credit is allowed proportionate to the required amount of work but is not to exceed 4 credit hours on any one topic. Enrollment requires consent of the department. 1–4 hours.