Study in New Testament is the disciplined exploration of God’s revelation to the church using tools such as Greek language, historical background, and cultural insight. Interacting with the New Testament creates the knowledge base that a believer uses when building a comprehensive Christian worldview.
Objectives for students
- Develop skills of disciplined Bible study, including reading the New Testament;
- Understand the historical contexts of the New Testament and its books;
- Understand major themes of the Bible written by the church;
- Understand how the wisdom of the New Testament shapes Christian living and ministry; and
- Find inspiration and clear direction for passionate devotion to Christ and transformational service to His church and to the world.
Basic Studies
BT 508 • The Bible and the Interpreter 1.5 Credits
An introduction to the relationship of writer, text, and reader in the interpretation process (philosophical hermeneutics) and to methods for studying the Bible (exegesis). Students will gain skills for interpreting various literary genres of Scripture.
Special Notes: Enrollment limited to M.A.M.F.T and M.A.M.H.C students.
BT 510 • Hermeneutics 3 Credits
Introduction to biblical interpretation. Analysis of relationship of author, text, and reader in the interpretive process. Analysis of biblical books using sound exegetical method: within their original cultural contexts and attending to genre and whole book context. Application of scriptural messages to contemporary contexts, respectfully engaging realities of human diversity.
Special Notes: This course should be taken as soon as possible after entering seminary and is a prerequisite for all advanced courses in biblical studies.
NT 508 • Introduction to the New Testament: Scripture and Story 1.5 Credits
A study of New Testament books, focusing on themes, theology, and interpretive methodologies, coupled with consideration of role of the interpreter.
Special Notes: Enrollment limited to M.A.M.F.T. and M.A.M.H.C students.
NT 541 • Greek I: Beginning Greek 3 Credits
Introduction to biblical interpretation using NT Greek. Translation of Greek texts containing common New Testament Greek words and basic grammatical forms and syntax. Identification of the forms and basic grammatical/syntactical functions of nouns, adjectives and pronouns and the indicative mood of verbs. Definition of common New Testament Greek words.
NT 542 • Greek II: Intermediate Greek 3 Credits
Advancement of biblical interpretation using NT Greek. Translation of Greek texts at an intermediate level of proficiency, attending to a greater range of grammatical/syntactical functions. Introduction to the exegetical tools of textual criticism, diagramming and lexical analysis. Definition of common New Testament Greek words.
Prerequisites: NT 541 or passing of Greek Qualifying Exam.
Introduction to Exegesis
NT 516 • New Testament Survey: Narratives, Letters, and Revelation 3 Credits
Introduction to the New Testament. Interpretation and synthesis of individual New Testament books using historical, cultural, and theological contexts, including attention to their genres. Summarization of the New Testament’s main theological themes. Recontextualize its message and integrate for personal wholeness and faith praxis.
Prerequisites: BT 510 (may be concurrent).
NT 518 • New Testament: Exegetical Explorations 3 Credits
Analysis of select New Testament books as wholes within their original contexts. Development of exegetical skills including genre analysis, contextual study, and theological reflection and engagement. Discernment of key theological themes that span various New Testament books, with attention to both their unity and diversity.
Prerequisites: BT 510 and NT 516.
Advanced Studies
NT 601 • Matthew 1.5,3 Credits
A concentrated study in the interpretation of the book of Matthew. The meaning of the author will be examined, as well as various critical questions relating to the study of the Gospels.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 602 • Mark 1.5,3 Credits
A concentrated study in the interpretation of the book of Mark. The meaning of the author will be examined, as well as various critical questions relating to the study of the Gospels.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 603 • Luke 1.5,3 Credits
A concentrated study in the interpretation of the book of Luke. The meaning of the author will be examined, as well as various critical questions relating to the study of the Gospels.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 604 • John 1.5,3 Credits
A concentrated study in the interpretation of the book of John. The meaning of the author will be examined, as well as various critical questions relating to the study of the Gospels.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 606 • Romans 1.5,3 Credits
An in-depth analysis of the book of Romans. The central theological themes of the letter will be explored, and there will also be an examination of introductory questions and the relevance of the letter for today's world.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 607 • 1 Corinthians 1.5,3 Credits
An in-depth analysis of 1 Corinthians. The central theological themes of the letter will be explored, and there will also be an examination of introductory questions and the relevance of the letter for today's world.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 609 • Galatians 1.5,3 Credits
An in-depth analysis of the book of Galatians. The central theological themes of the letter will be explored, and there will also be an examination of introductory questions and the relevance of the letter for today's world.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 610 • Ephesians 1.5,3 Credits
An in-depth analysis of the book of Ephesians. The central theological themes of the letter will be explored, and there will also be an examination of introductory questions and the relevance of the letter for today's world.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 611 • Philippians 1.5,3 Credits
An in-depth analysis of the book of Philippians. The central theological themes of the letter will be explored, and there will also be an examination of introductory questions and the relevance of the letter for today's world.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 613 • 1 and 2 Thessalonians 1.5,3 Credits
An in-depth analysis of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. The central theological themes of the letter will be explored, and there will also be an examination of introductory questions and the relevance of the letter for today's world.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 615 • Hebrews 1.5,3 Credits
An exegetical study of the book of Hebrews. Attention is devoted to introductory issues, the meaning of the book, its theological contribution, and the message for the contemporary church.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 616 • James and Petrine Letters 1.5,3 Credits
An exegetical study of the book of James and Petrine Letters. Attention is devoted to introductory issues, the meaning of the book, its theological contribution, and the message for the contemporary church.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 640 • Greek Bible Readings 1.5,3 Credits
Involves translating various selections from the Septuagint, New Testament, and early Christian literature.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 652 • Greek Exegesis 1.5,3 Credits
Advancement in ability to perform biblical exegesis and interpretation using NT Greek. Translation of Greek texts with a higher level of proficiency, attending to a greater range of grammatical/syntactical functions. Introduction to the exegetical tools of discourse (logical) and intertextual analysis, and integration of hermeneutical and exegetical tools and contextual analysis.
Prerequisites: NT 542.Three hours.
NT 662 • Advanced Greek Grammar 1.5,3 Credits
An introduction to the science of linguistics; a study of clauses and other large elements in the sentence; a survey of grammatical terms; the use of grammars, lexicons, concordances, and other tools for exegesis; and translation of selected passages from some of the more difficult books of the New Testament.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 702 • The Parables of Jesus 1.5,3 Credits
The meaning, authenticity, and theology of the parables, as well as the principles and praxis of interpreting parables, are studied.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 705 • New Testament Background 1.5,3 Credits
A study of the Jewish and Greco-Roman historical, religious, and literary background of the New Testament. Emphasis is placed on primary source material.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 709 • The Historical Jesus 1.5,3 Credits
This course is a study of the origin and development of the three quests for the historical Jesus. The critical methodologies of each quest will be studied, along with the various portraits of Jesus proposed by the scholars of these quests. The context for the course is the worshipping community as it encounters Jesus and the renewal of worship that flows from meeting Him.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 712 • The Use of the Old Testament in the New Testament 1.5,3 Credits
An exegetical examination of the ways that the New Testament quotes and alludes to the Old Testament. Methods of interpretation are studied alongside specific biblical passages, with a focus on how to understand the gospel in light of Old Testament foundations.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 716 • New Testament Models of Spiritual Formation 1.5,3 Credits
An exploration of key models of spiritual formation found in the New Testament. This course will seek to combine the best of biblical study skills in the exegesis of several New Testament passages with their proper application to the spiritual formation of one's own life and ministry.
Prerequisites: BT 510. Special Notes: Cognate credit with SP 716.
NT 750 • Seminar in Textual Criticism 1.5,3 Credits
A study of paleography, sources of information about the text (Greek manuscripts, ancient versions, and patristic quotations), history of the text, principles of evaluation of variant readings, and actual evaluation of variant readings.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
NT 751 • Seminar in New Testament 1.5,3 Credits
An in-depth study of a particular New Testament book or theme.
Prerequisites: BT 510. Special Notes: This course fulfills Doctor of Ministry concentration requirements for the Biblical Theological Engagement concentration.
New Testament Thesis and Research Courses
NT 670 • Directed Study in New Testament 1-9 Credits
Research and study by arrangement with the professor.
Prerequisites: BT 510. Special Notes: Permission is required.
NT 795A • Thesis Proposal 1.5 Credits
Development of a thesis proposal and prospectus. Survey of existing research and delineation of tentative argument and preliminary bibliography. To be developed in consultation and under supervision of a faculty member as thesis advisor.
Special Notes: Approval of faculty member in relevant discipline is required.
NT 795B • Thesis Writing 3 Credits
Implementation of research plan, under the supervision of thesis advisor and with input from a second reader. To include survey of existing research and thesis that is well argued and supported by the literature.
Prerequisites: 795A.
Advanced Courses in Biblical Theology
BT 610 • Issues in Global Biblical Studies 1.5,3 Credits
This course combines two essential pieces for preparing students for serious engagement in biblical scholarship. The first is an introduction to the history of the interpretation of the Bible, particularly the last two centuries. The second component addresses current issues in biblical scholarship, such as the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, historiography, theological hermeneutics, biblical theology, and global approaches to biblical studies.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
BT 655 • Integrative Hermeneutics 1.5,3 Credits
An in-depth look at the human experience of interpretation, through the grid of philosophical hermeneutics and its intersections to theology.
Prerequisites: BT 510 Special Notes: Crosslisted with PH 655.
BT 670 • Directed Study in Biblical Theology 1-9 Credits
Research and study by arrangement with the professor.
Prerequisites: BT 510. Special Notes: Permission is required.
BT 717 • New Testament Theology 1.5,3 Credits
A detailed study of some of the themes of the New Testament from the standpoint of biblical theology.
Prerequisites: BT 510.
BT 751 • Seminar in Biblical Theology 1.5,3 Credits
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular biblical theology or Old and/or New Testaments theme.
Prerequisites: BT 510. Special Notes: This course fulfills Doctor of Ministry concentration requirements for the Biblical Theological Engagement concentration.
BT 795A • Thesis Proposal 1.5 Credits
Development of a thesis proposal and prospectus. Survey of existing research and delineation of tentative argument and preliminary bibliography. To be developed in consultation and under supervision of a faculty member as thesis advisor.
Special Notes: Approval of faculty member in relevant discipline is required.
BT 795B • Thesis Writing 3 Credits
Implementation of research plan, under the supervision of thesis advisor and with input from a second reader. To include survey of existing research and thesis that is well argued and supported by the literature.
Prerequisites: 795A.