Biblical Studies

A critical examination of various principles of interpretation through the book of Acts intentionally engaging in missiological, pastoral, and historical-grammatical contextual analysis. Students will learn both general and specific hermeneutical principles necessary to acquire and apply scriptural insights to various contexts.

A survey of Christian Doctrine and Theology based on historical, theological, and philosophical inquiry with special emphasis on the first six centuries of the church. Students will learn to navigate theological categories and controversies with special emphasis on the articulation of core Christian doctrine and scriptural contexts.

This course outlines and analyzes the content of the many worldview systems operative in our world today from a Christian worldview rooted in Scripture. Attention is paid to the development of these worldviews over time as well as their many present applications. Students will learn how to understand and appreciate these worldviews, and how to evaluate and respond from a Christian worldview perspective.

A critical examination of the principles of missiology as seen in Scripture specifically engaging the major historical and theological perspectives on mission. Students will learn to distinguish missiological approaches with a particular emphasis given to the significance of Abrahamic covenant in Missio Dei theology.

An examination of the biblical truths that guide how spiritual practices become helpful to the spiritual journey of the individual and groups. Students will learn why spiritual practices are important, how they can be approached healthily and unhealthily, and how to apply certain spiritual practices for specific seasons of the spiritual journey.

An introductory examination of New Testament Greek with emphasis on vocabulary, grammar basics, and language tools. Students will learn basic translation principles and implications of various linguistic nuances in the biblical text.

An introductory examination of New Testament Greek with emphasis on expanded vocabulary, grammar basics, and language tools. Students will expand their knowledge on basic translation principles and implications of various linguistic nuances in the biblical text.

An introductory examination of Biblical Hebrew with emphasis on vocabulary, grammar basics, and language tools. Students will learn basic translation principles and implications of various linguistic nuances in the biblical text.

A comparative analysis of the historical-grammatical approach to biblical interpretation and the hermeneutical practices of the early church from the apostle Paul to Origen of Alexandria to the Cappadocian fathers. Students will learn the differences and similarities, strengths and weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages of modern interpretative approaches in light of early hermeneutical approaches.

A critical examination of the biblical text from an imperial-critical approach that explores the relationships and interactions between an empire and its subjects utilizing archeology, anthropology, sociology, and the historical-grammatical method. Students will learn to appreciate the socio-political dynamics in the biblical text and how the insights from this approach apply to the church today.

An exegetical study of the Gospel of Matthew based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, and theological insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on regal themes in the narrative. Students will learn to engage the socio-political contours of Matthew from a first-century perspective with special attention given to Jewish intersections in the text.

An exegetical study of the letter to the Colossians based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on the Christology—“who Christ is”—and how that impacts in the first-century church and the church today. Students will learn the purposes and argument of Colossians as well as the details of key texts and their theological and pastoral implications.

An exegetical study of first and second Thessalonians based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts. Students will learn the purposes and argument of both Thessalonian epistles with special emphasis on eschatological implications on Christian communities.

An exegetical study of Paul’s letter to the Romans based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on the nature of the gospel of salvation in Christ and its impact on the shape of Christian communities in the first-century and today. Students will learn the purposes and argument of Romans as well as the details of key texts and their theological and pastoral implications.

An exegetical examination of the Apocalypse of John based on grammatical, socio-cultural, imperial-critical, and theological insights from both the Greek and English texts. Students will learn to navigate apocalyptic literature from a first-century perspective with special attention given to appropriate modern-day application.

An exegetical examination of the book of Jeremiah based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, pastoral, and theological insights from both the Hebrew and English texts. Students will learn to navigate this tragic period of Hebrew history with special emphasis on Messianic texts and God’s call to repentance amidst suffering.

An exegetical examination of the book of Daniel based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, pastoral, and theological insights from the Hebrew, Aramaic, and English texts. Students will learn to engage historical background and the prophetic-apocalyptic genre with special emphasis on Messianic prophecies and God’s kingdom.

A guided study where students propose, write, and defend a central thesis in the area of Biblical Studies. Students will learn to research and write on a scholarly level, interacting with scholarly conversations through summarization, critique, and contribution. Prerequisite: students must have completed 60% of degree sought.