Biblical Hermeneutics

BIBBH 3313/5313

This course is an introduction to principles and methods of interpreting the Scripture and applying insights gained from texts in Christian ministry. Topics included are nature of the Bible; a survey of historical and contemporary hermeneutical approaches; and principles of a grammatical-historicaltheological-practical approach. Students develop skills in examining and explaining texts given the different genre of the Bible. 3 hours.

Old Testament Background

OLDTS 3312/5312

This course aims at familiarizing the student with the historical, geographical, sociological, and political elements in the Old Testament world. The production, preservation and canonization of the Old Testament, as well as relevant archaeological insights, will also be considered. The student can
better understand and teach the Old Testament with such a familiarization. 2 hours.

The Pentateuch

OLDTS 4853/6853

The course introduces the historical and critical concerns of Pentateuch and the evaluation of biblical criticisms from a evangelical perspective. The course discusses the authorship and background of Pentateuch. The messages and interpretations of the five books of Moses will be discussed in detail and their relevance for today’s church will be high-lighted. 3 hours.

Prophets I

OLDTS 4862/6862

This course will discuss the formation of prophetic activities in Israel and their relationship to prophecy in other Ancient Near East cultures. The focus of the course will be on the introduction of the pre-exilic prophetic books of Joel, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, and Isaiah. Emphasis will be given to their interpretations, messages, theologies, and applications for today’s church. 2 hours.

Prophets II

OLDTS 4872/6872

The course will focus on the introduction of the Exilic and Post-exilic prophetic books of Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Lamentation, Obadiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Emphasis will be given to their interpretations, messages, theologies, and applications for today’s church. 2 hours.

Wisdom and Poetic Books

OLDTS 4813/6813

The course introduces Features of Wisdom Literature, Comparison of Biblical Wisdom Literature and other Ancient Near East Wisdom Literatures. The focus of the course is on the detail discussion of the five wisdom and poetic books of the Book: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and Song of Songs. The authorship, theology, message, and applications of each book will be discussed. 3 hours.

Old Testament Historical Books

OLDTS 4873/6873

The Historical Books of the English Bible cover from the book of Joshua to the book of Esther. The historical backgrounds of these books will be discussed. The interpretation, message, theology, and application of each book will be emphasized. The course will also highlight the sovereignty of God over history of humankind, and the consistency of his Word and action throughout history. 3 hours.

Daniel and Revelation

OLDTS 4713/6713

This course studies seeks to help students understand the contents of the books of Daniel and revelation by discussing the character of apocalyptic literature, and the relations and connections between the Old and New Testament revelations. Emphasis will be placed on interpretation, message, theology, and relevant application of each book. 3 hours.

Old Testament Theology

OLDTS 4802/6802

This course will discuss the development of different methods of biblical theology in modern time, the relationship between biblical theology and systematic theology, the method of doing biblical theology; the issue of whether there is a theological center in the Old Testament; the issue of theological unity and diversity. Important themes in the Old Testament such as creation, redemption, covenant, and the promise of the Messiah will be discussed. 2 hours.

Exposition of Old Testament Books

OLDTS 4853E/4813E/4862E/4872E

These studies are based on selections from the Pentateuch, the Historical Books, the Poetic and Wisdom Books, and the Prophetic materials. Exposition contents and skills will be imparted so that the student can draw out timely applications from timeless truths. 2 hours.

New Testament Background

NEWTS 3312/5312

This course is a study of the historical, socio-political and religious milieu in the intertestamental period during which the New Testament came about, & the formation of the early Church in the midst of a Greco-Roman, Hellenistic & Judaic influences. The course highlights implications of God’s revelation and redemption in today’s world. 2 hours.

Synoptic Gospels

NEWTS 4302/6302

This course introduces the formation and development of the Gospels of the Gospels. The synoptic problem is addressed. Emphasis is given to the uniqueness, theologies and messages of the Gospels, their interpretations and relevance to the Church today. 2 hours.

Gospel of John

NEWTS 4042/6042

A study of historical-critical concerns including the question of the Gospel of John in relation to the sources, genre, contents, themes and theology. Attention is given to contemporary narrative critical methods of interpreting the gospel text. This course stresses the relevance of the Gospel for the church today. 2 hours.

Sermon on the Mount

NEWTS 4312/6312

A study of the traditional views of interpreting the Sermon, followed by the background and context of the Sermon in light of grammatical, syntactical analysis and an exegesis of the Sermon on the Mount. The course stresses a contextualized approach to applying the Sermon in the life of the believer and the Church. 2 hours.

The Pauline Epistles

NEWTS 4413/6413

A study of Pauline letters that includes the authorship, recipients, date the letter was written, and purpose of the writing. The exegesis and exposition of each letter will be evaluated with attention given to issues, theological emphases, and relevancy of the writing for the church. 3 hours.

General Epistles

NEWTS 4502/6502

A study of the epistles of James, Peter, John and Jude, with discussion on issues of text, canon, authorship, purpose, and thematic development. Emphasis is given to historical and literary contexts, interpretation and application, so that students can integrate the teachings of these letters into their
personal life and ministry. 2 hours.

Acts

NEWTS 4052/6052

A study of apostolic history based on the work of the Holy Spirit and early disciples, particularly Peter and Paul, in the mission and growth of the early church. Emphasis is given to the theology and message of the book, principles and practices of contextualization, Christian witness, and relevance for contemporary church life and mission. 2 hours.

Romans

NEWTS 4062/6062

This course is designed to survey exegetically the contents of Paul’s letter to the Romans, explore key themes in Paul’s theology from a biblical and historical perspective, and seek to integrate the teachings of the letter into one’s personal life and ministry. Attention will be given to an exegetical, historical, theological, and practical understanding of the teachings of Romans. 2 hours.

James

NEWTS 4202/6202

This course is an examination and exposition of the letter of James in light of the teachings of the New Testament. This course will give particular attention to James’ church context, pastoral burden, main arguments, and exegesis of its passages, with an emphasis on its overall message, themes, and theology. The course stresses doctrinal application in the life of the Christian individual and church. 2 hours.

Prison Epistles

NEWTS 4422E/6422E

An exposition of the Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon). This course includes a discussion of historical critical concerns, themes & issues related to Paul’s life and theology on Christ, the Holy Spirit, sin, salvation, the church, & their relevance for the church today. 2 hours.

Pastoral Epistles

NEWTS 4442E/6442E

An exposition of the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus). This course includes a discussion of historical critical concerns, themes & issues related to Paul’s life and theology on Christ, the Holy Spirit, sin, salvation, the church, & their relevance for the church today. 2 hours.

Hebrews

NEWTS 4192/6192

A study of historical critical concerns background and themes of Christian apology, Christology (person, mission & accomplishments) and ecclesiology (assurance of salvation and warning of apostasy). This course stresses a personalized Christian apology with an ethical Christian response to faith. 2 hours.

Revelation or the Apocalypse

NEWTS 4273/6272

A study of the historical critical concerns of authorship, date, recipients, purpose, genre, themes, issues, and problems posed by the document and the methods of interpretation including the major millennial views. The course stresses Christian life application. 2 hours.

Biblical Hebrew I

HEBRW 3313/5313

This course is an introduction to the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Biblical Hebrew. It is designed to help students to lay the foundation for a functional proficiency in the language. 3 hours.

Biblical Hebrew II

HEBRW 3323/5323

This is a continuation of Biblical Hebrew I. The use of exegetical tools like lexicons and concordances will also be introduced to the student who will then have a functional proficiency in using the language and related tools for preparation in teaching and preaching. 3 hours. Pre-requisite: Biblical Hebrew I.

Biblical Hebrew Exegesis

HEBRW 3333/5333

The course introduces the origin and development of the Hebrew Bible, the distinctiveness of ancient manuscripts and their relationship to each other, the principles and methods of textual criticism. The course emphasizes on the methods and technique of Hebrew Exegesis. A book from the Hebrew Bible or texts from different genres will be used for study. Exegesis of the biblical texts concludes in lessons for preaching and teaching. 3 hours. Pre-requisites: Biblical Hebrew I, II.

Biblical Greek I

GREEK 3313/5313

An introduction to the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of New Testament Greek. 3 hours. 

Biblical Greek II

GREEK 3323/5323

A more extensive consideration of Greek grammar and syntax as it relates to exegesis with readings from the Greek New Testament. 3 hours. Pre-requisite: Biblical Greek I.

Biblical Greek Exegesis

GREEK 3333/5333

Reading and exegesis from selected texts of the Greek New Testament. The course stresses interpretation arising from exegesis for practical ministry. 3 hours. Pre-requisites: Biblical Greek I, II.