BI 132 Hermeneutics (3)

This course is designed as a study of the history of Biblical interpretation from Bible times to the present and of the methods that can be used as tools in the interpretive process.  This study also examines those types and texts and portions of Scripture which require special interpretive principles in order to accurately understand them.  The inductive method of interpretation will be the main method studied and used throughout the course.

BL231 New Testament Greek I (3)

The first of a two-course sequence designed to introduce all aspects of New Testament Greek – e.g., noun declension, the verb system, grammar, syntax, and structure.  This course is a study of basic vocabulary and grammar of the New Testament Greek with attention to reading and writing. Only successful completion of BL231 with the grade of “C” or higher will enable the students to continue their study of the Greek language.

BL232 New Testament Greek II (3)

This course is the continuation of BL231. Greek I with more emphasis on reading and syntax.  Persons successfully completing BL232 will be able to work comfortably with the basic Greek of the New Testament. Prerequisite: BL 231 New Testament Greek I.

BL331 Old Testament Hebrew I (3)

 This course is the first of a two-course sequence designed to provide a basic understanding of Biblical Hebrew and ability to use exegetical resources.  Primary emphasis is placed on mastery of basic grammar vocabulary:  noun declension, the verb system, syntax, and structure.

BL332 Old Testament Hebrew II (3)

This course is the second of a two-course sequence designed to provide a basic understanding of Biblical Hebrew and ability to use exegetical resources.  Primary emphasis is placed on mastery of basic grammar, vocabulary and syntax. Prerequisite: BL331 Old Testament Hebrew I.

NT132 Introduction to the New Testament (3) 

This course introduces the student to the study of the origins of Christianity by means of its canonical literature, the New Testament. We will make a historical study of the New Testament documents, seeking to understand their plan, origin, purpose and content with their broader historical and cultural contexts. Appropriate interpretive method for each corpus of the New Testament will be discussed. We will also seek to clarify the theological message of each document in light of its historical circumstances. Application of this message to our present day will be explored.

NT231 Gospels and Acts (3)

This course investigates the four Gospels and Acts and explores their content, purpose and background whereby students gain an understanding of the accounts of Jesus’ life and the message of salvation and the formation and development of the early church.

The students will be introduced to the literary characteristics, origin, social and religious environment of these books.  Special attention will be given to geography and background information of the Gospels and Acts. Pre-requisite: NT132 Introduction to New Testament.

NTPE332 Pauline Epistles (3)

This course examines the problems of the formative church;

this includes all of Paul’s letters to the new churches as they faced sufferings and persecutions.. It will focus on the Early Epistles of Paul and working through to the Pastoral Epistles.

Prerequisite – Introduction to the New Testament NT 132

NT322 Revelation (2)

This course will try to gain an understanding of Revelation on the basis of its form and content.  We will evaluate the evidence and history of scholarship on the issues of: authorship, date, audience, historical set­ting, and canonization.  We will also overview apocalyptic literature and develop an understanding of the relationship of Revelation to apocalyptic literature and investigate and comprehend the sources used by the author.

Prerequisite – Introduction to the New Testament NT 132

NTGE332General Epistles (3)

This course provides a close reading of the General Epistles and the book of Hebrews with special attention given to literary, socio-historical, and theological understandings of the epistles. This course will examine in detail the social, rhetorical, theological and ethical character of these documents.

Prerequisite – Introduction to the New Testament NT 132

NTE432 New Testament Exegesis

 1Peter (3)This course focuses on the task of translation of the New Testament Greek with an emphasis on the exegetical task (A close reading of I Peter with special attention given to literary, socio-historical, and rhetorical understandings of I Peter.  Prerequisites:  NT 132; BL 231.

OT131 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)

This course lays the foundation for the Old Testament study by providing a window into the historical, cultural and geographical background, the literary and theological content and the practical relevance of the Old Testament and methodologies for interpretation.

OT231 Pentateuch (3)

This course is the study of the first five books of the Bible namely: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, together they are called “The Pentateuch.”  In this course we will study the foundations of the history of God’s people and the story of God’s relationship with them.  We will see and discuss the beginning and early unfolding of the story of redemption that the Creator God has designed for his beloved creation.

OT232 Historical Books (3)

This course deals with the Historical Books of the Bible from Joshua to Esther.  It provides a detailed description of the victories, defeat and decline of the Hebrew nation from its entrance into the Promised Land to its return from exile during the era of Ezra and Nehemiah.

OT331 Prophetical Books (3)

This course examines the ministry and message of the  Hebrew prophets. The study of the individual books will include the following features: date of prophecy (where possible); target audience; biographical sketches (where possible); historical setting; general outline of the book; and themes and message of the book.

OT332 Poetical Books (3)

This course presents a survey of the five books of poetry in the Bible, which consist of Psalm, Job, Proverbs, Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes. This course is essential for the edification of God’s people and therefore seeks to analyze the rich and rewarding themes of human life in relation to God and how this impacts our personal lives.

OTE432Old Testament Exegesis(Ecclesiastes) (3)

Exegetical studies of selected passages enable students to develop the linguistic and exegetical competence required for interpreting the Hebrew text. The distinctive exegetical questions arising in Ecclesiastes are addressed as well. Prerequisites: OT131, BL331. BL 332 strongly recommended.