Scripture and Witness
Courses
Reliance upon the Scripture as the Word of God and the indispensable role of biblical truth for faith and ministry; communication of the message of the Bible centered in the proclaimed gospel, addressed in relevant terms to contemporary culture, and reflected in the tasks of preaching, teaching, and witness.
| Course Number | Name | Description | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1098277 | SWBIT5111 | Biblical Interpretation | An introduction to the nature of the Bible, the definition of and need for hermeneutics, a survey of historical and contemporary hermeneutical approaches, the principles of a grammatical-historical-theological-practical approach, and case studies of biblical passages that illustrate the principles. | 2 |
| 1098313 | SWBIT5211 | Biblical Backgrounds | A study of the geography, history, and archaeology of the biblical world intended to provide a cultural and chronological framework for further study of both the Old and New Testaments. | 2 |
| 1098325 | SWBIT5213 | Jewish and Hellenistic Backgrounds to the New Testament | An examination of Jewish and Graeco-Roman society and culture, history, literature, philosophies, and religious beliefs and practices, as it provides background to the study of the writings of the New Testament. | 2 |
| 1098337 | SWBIT5214 | Holy Land Survey | This course surveys the Holy Land through visits to traditional historical sites in Israel coupled with lectures related to the history and geography of Israel from the time of the Exodus to the first century C.E. | 2 |
| 1098349 | SWBLA4211 | Elementary Greek I | Two accelerated courses combined as an introduction to the Greek language in preparation for the exegesis of the Greek New Testament. *Note: Language courses are demanding and may require significantly more individual study time.* | 3 |
| 1098373 | SWBLA4212 | Elementary Greek II | Two accelerated courses combined as an introduction to the Greek language in preparation for the exegesis of the Greek New Testament. *Note: Language courses are demanding and may require significantly more individual study time.* | 3 |
| 1098403 | SWBLA5011 | Introduction to Biblical Languages | An introduction to the elementary characteristics of the biblical languages of Hebrew and Greek, including the alphabets, basic grammatical forms, essential vocabulary, and the linguistic tools available to study biblical texts. | 2 |
| 1098421 | SWBLA5111 | Old Testament Hebrew I | The fundamentals of biblical Hebrew including vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and syntax for the purpose of translating and interpreting the Old Testament text. *Note: Language courses are demanding and may require significantly more individual study time.* | 2 |
| 1098433 | SWBLA5112 | Old Testament Hebrew II | The fundamentals of biblical Hebrew including vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and syntax for the purpose of translating and interpreting the Old Testament text. *Note: Language courses are demanding and may require significantly more individual study time.* | 2 |
| 1098445 | SWBLA5113 | Old Testament Hebrew III | The fundamentals of biblical Hebrew including vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and syntax for the purpose of translating and interpreting the Old Testament text. *Note: Language courses are demanding and may require significantly more individual study time.* | 2 |
| 1709444 | SWBLA5114 | Ugaritic | This course will consist of the reading of Ugaritic texts, systematic vocabulary acquisition, and the mastery of certain aspects of the morphology (verb paradigms, noun paradigms), phonology, and syntax of the Ugaritic language. Substantial attention will also be given to comparative philology (e.g., thus providing a window into Hebrew and Aramaic). Substantial emphasis will be placed each class period on the vocalization of the text. | 2 |
| 1098457 | SWBLA5211 | New Testament Greek I | Advanced grammar with exegesis of the Greek New Testament. Three consecutive terms must be taken to receive credit for this course. Student should stay in the same section for all three terms. *Note: Language courses are demanding and may require significantly more individual study time.* | 2 |
| 1098487 | SWBLA5212 | New Testament Greek II | Advanced grammar with exegesis of the Greek New Testament. Three consecutive terms must be taken to receive credit for this course. Student should stay in the same section for all three terms. *Note: Language courses are demanding and may require significantly more individual study time.* | 2 |
| 1098517 | SWBLA5213 | New Testament Greek III | Advanced grammar with exegesis of the Greek New Testament. Three consecutive terms must be taken to receive credit for this course. Student should stay in the same section for all three terms. *Note: Language courses are demanding and may require significantly more individual study time.* | 2 |
| 1635206 | SWBLA5311 | Biblical Languages I | The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to Biblical Hebrew (HB). This course includes a basic introduction to the Hebrew language, emphasizing understanding the basic building blocks (alphabet, elements of the verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and other ancillary parts of speech) of a sentence as well as syntax. The use of language resources and tools will be covered so that each student will be able to use these tools in doing exegesis in both languages. | 2 |
| 1635212 | SWBLA5312 | Biblical Languages II | The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to Biblical Koiné Greek (GNT). This course includes a basic introduction to the Greek language, emphasizing understanding the basic building blocks (alphabet, elements of the verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and other ancillary parts of speech) of a sentence as well as syntax. The use of language resources and tools will be covered so that each student will be able to use these tools in doing exegesis in both languages. | 2 |
| 1098595 | SWBLI5111 | Old Testament I | An introduction to each Old Testament book with emphasis on historical issues, theological interpretations, and contemporary applications. Pentateuch, Joshua, and Judges. | 2 |
| 1098631 | SWBLI5112 | Old Testament II | An introduction to each Old Testament book with emphasis on historical issues, theological interpretations, and contemporary applications. The historical books from Ruth through Esther, and the Wisdom Literature from Job through the Song of Solomon. | 2 |
| 1098661 | SWBLI5113 | Old Testament III | An introduction to each Old Testament book with emphasis on historical issues, theological interpretations, and contemporary applications. The prophetic books from Isaiah through Malachi. | 2 |
| 1098685 | SWBLI5120 | The Book of Genesis | An exegetical study of Genesis designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098691 | SWBLI5121 | Genesis 1-11 | An exegetical study of Genesis 1-11 designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098697 | SWBLI5123 | Exodus | An exegetical study of Exodus designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098703 | SWBLI5127 | Ruth | An exegetical study of Ruth designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098709 | SWBLI5133 | The Book of Psalms | An exegetical study of Psalms designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1644602 | SWBLI5134 | Survey of Wisdom Literature | A study of the development of Israel's wisdom movement from its beginning (clan wisdom) to its codification (royal wisdom). A close reading of Job, Proverbs, selected wisdom Psalms, and Ecclesiastes will constitute the biblical text for this class. The content of these books shall be examined critically for their role and formation -in terms of their significance for wisdom theology- within Israel. | 2 |
| 1098715 | SWBLI5138 | Isaiah | An exegetical study of Isaiah designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history distinctive literary traits the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098721 | SWBLI5139 | Jeremiah | An exegetical study of Jeremiah designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history distinctive literary traits the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098727 | SWBLI5142 | Amos-Hosea | An exegetical study of Hosea, Joel, and Amos designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1261975 | SWBLI5143 | Eighth-Century Old Testament Prophets | A study of the rise and development of the Hebrew prophecy within Israel. A close reading of Amos, Hosea, Micah and selected portions of Isaiah along with historical narrative (1 Kings 17-2, Kings 13- the Elijah and Elisha narratives) will constitute the biblical text for this class. The content of these books shall be examined critically for their role and formation- in terms of their significance of prophecy- within Israel and Judah. | 2 |
| 1338799 | SWBLI5144 | Seventh-Century Old Testament Prophets | A study of the continuance of the prophetic movement within Judah and the further development of Hebrew prophecy. A close reading of Joel, Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah with selected portions of Isaiah (40-66), and Jeremiah will constitute the biblical text for this class. The content of these books shall be examined critically for their role and formation- in terms of their significance of prophecy- within Judah. | 2 |
| 1338805 | SWBLI5145 | Sixth-Century Old Testament Prophets | A study of the continuance of the prophetic movement within Judah and the further development of Hebrew prophecy. Attention will be given to the prophetic movement during the pre and post-exilic movement. Therefore, a close reading of selected portions of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are presented. These prophets will constitute the biblical text portion for this class. The content of these books shall be examined critically for their contributions to the nature and theology of the exilic and restoration period. | 2 |
| 1098739 | SWBLI5146 | Haggai Zechariah Malachi | An exegetical study of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098745 | SWBLI5160 | Theology of the Old Testament | This course defines Old Testament theology and surveys the various scholarly approaches used to develop Old Testament theologies since the Enlightenment, examines the historical narrative of the Old Testament in order to discern important theological ideas and themes, and examines the possible relationships between the Old and New Testaments in order to assess the relevance and use of the Old Testament within the New Testament church. | 2 |
| 1098751 | SWBLI5211 | New Testament I | An introduction to the Gospels. These writings will be studied in terms of historical setting, religious background, literary composition, theological message, and interrelationship with the Old Testament. | 2 |
| 1098799 | SWBLI5212 | New Testament II | An introduction to Acts and the Pauline Letters. These writings will be studied in terms of historical setting, religious background, literary composition, theological message, and interrelationship with the Old Testament. | 2 |
| 1098835 | SWBLI5213 | New Testament III | An introduction to the General Letters and Revelation. These writings will be studied in terms of historical setting, religious background, literary composition, theological message, and interrelationship with the Old Testament. | 2 |
| 1098859 | SWBLI5220 | Matthew | An exegetical study of Matthew designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098871 | SWBLI5221 | Mark | An exegetical study of Mark designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098877 | SWBLI5222 | Luke-Acts | An exegetical study of Luke designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098889 | SWBLI5223 | John | An exegetical study of John designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098907 | SWBLI5224 | Acts | An exegetical study of Acts designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098925 | SWBLI5225 | Romans | An exegetical study of Romans designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098949 | SWBLI5226 | 1 Corinthians | An exegetical study of 1 Corinthians designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098967 | SWBLI5228 | Galatians | An exegetical study of Galatians designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1098991 | SWBLI5230 | Philippians | An exegetical study of Philippians designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1099009 | SWBLI5232 | 1 and 2 Thessalonians | An exegetical study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will begiven to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1099021 | SWBLI5233 | Pastoral Epistles | An exegetical study of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1099027 | SWBLI5234 | Letter to the Hebrews | An exegetical study of Hebrews designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1099033 | SWBLI5235 | James | An exegetical study of James designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1099039 | SWBLI5236 | The Petrine Epistles | An exegetical study of 1 and 2 Peter designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1099045 | SWBLI5237 | Johannine Epistles | An exegetical study of 1, 2, and 3 John designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1099057 | SWBLI5238 | Revelation | An exegetical study of Revelation designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1099081 | SWBLI5239 | Prison Epistles | An exegetical study of Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1099093 | SWBLI5240 | The Parables of Jesus | An exegetical study of the parables of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the texts themselves: their historical-cultural context, distinctive literary traits, theological significance, and application of their truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1099105 | SWBLI5260 | Theology of the New Testament | A study of the nature, history, and methods of New Testament theology emphasizing the biblical contexts and their central themes. Primary attention will be given to the exegesis of key texts in their respective biblical contexts relating to God, creation, redemption, and eschatology. The study focuses on the core of biblical theology and Christian preaching, moreover it emphasizes and renews the Old Testament roots of Christian faith as proclaimed by Jesus and his earliest followers. New Testament elective courses feature the reading of selected portions or books of the New Testament in English translation. They seek to interpret the primary writings of the New Testament canon at an intensive level, emphasizing the historical intention of the text and its theological message. These courses require no competence in the Greek New Testament. | 2 |
| 1099117 | SWBLI5261 | Biblical Perspectives on Contemporary Views of Jesus | An examination of historical reliability of the canonical Gospels in light of recent skepticism about the uniqueness of Jesus and the reliability of the New Testament (e.g., Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code or Bart Ehrman's Misquoting Jesus). | 2 |
| 1099123 | SWBLI5262 | New Testament Eschatology | An exegetical study of the central New Testament texts related to eschatology designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history, distinctive literary traits, the flow or argument, the theological relationship to other eschatological texts, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1780052 | SWBLI5263 | Theology of Paul | Theology of Paul | 2 |
| 1099147 | SWBLI7252 | Paul | 2 | |
| 1099153 | SWBLI7254 | New Testament Gospels | 2 | |
| 1099171 | SWBPR5111 | Biblical Preaching I | A study of the principles of sermon construction: the interpretation of text, the formulation of idea, the definition of objective, the development of material, the arrangement of structure, the improvement of style, and the preaching of the sermon. | 2 |
| 1099207 | SWBPR5112 | Biblical Preaching II | A study and practice of the preparation, delivery, and evaluation of the sermon. Sermons will be prepared and delivered. Components of sermon delivery will be studied and practiced for improvement. A lifelong strategy for self-evaluation and critique of sermon content and delivery will be practiced. | 2 |
| 1099225 | SWBPR5211 | Narrative in Biblical and Cultural Contexts | Understanding the role narrative plays in shaping cultures, worldview, beliefs, values, and behaviors. Particular attention is given to the way the overarching biblical narrative and individual biblical stories can interact with various cultures to bring transformation in individuals, churches, and communities. | 2 |
| 1099231 | SWBPR5212 | Using Biblical Storytelling in Church and Community | Developing skill in selecting, preparing, and telling biblical stories to communicate Scriptural truth effectively in a particular church, cultural group or other ministry context. Two Units. Prerequisite: SWBPR 5211 Narrative in Biblical and Cultural Contexts. | 2 |
| 1099543 | SWSEM7101 | NT Interpretation of OT Seminar | 2 | |
| 1099549 | SWSEM7201 | Scripture and Witness Disciplinary Seminar I | 2 | |
| 1099555 | SWSEM7202 | Scripture and Witness Disciplinary Seminar II | 2 | |
| 1099561 | SWSEM7203 | Scripture and Witness Disciplinary Seminar III | 2 | |
| 1805536 | SWBLI5125 | The Book of Judges | An exegetical study of the Book of Judges designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the form and content of the text itself: its background and history distinctive literary traits, the flow of the argument, and the application of its truths in the contemporary setting | 2 |
| 1805535 | SWBLI5124 | Leviticus | An exegetical study of Leviticus designed to enable the student to understand and interpret the biblical message. Primary attention will be given to the book’s historical and canonical contexts, its form and structure, and the interpretation of its statutes and precepts. Particular attention will be given to the sacrificial system, the festal occasions, and purity laws, as well as to theological concerns of holiness and atonement and the ongoing applicability of Leviticus and its truths in the contemporary setting. | 2 |
| 1805545 | SWBIT5115 | Exegeting Scripture as Oral Literature | This course introduces students to the field of Orality and Textuality and discusses the implications of recent studies in Orality on the interpretation of the Bible. The first half of the course will explore the history of studies in Orality, the history of the application of oral studies on Scripture, current trends in the field of Orality, and the inspiration of Scripture as a work stemming from oral tradition. In the second half of the course, through a series of specific examples, students will interact with possible applications of recent theories of Orality and Textuality in regard to biblical interpretation. Note: SWBIT5111 Biblical Interpretation is required for this course. | 2 |
