This course examines the basic issues in biblical hermeneutics, including the nature of historical-grammatical interpretation, genre analysis, historical and cultural background, literary analysis, and application. This course examines what it means for humans to have God's word inscripturated into language.

This course focuses on the content of the Old Testament and introduces methods for studying the Bible. Particular attention is paid to learning the various genres of the Old Testament and to the introduction of critical issues for biblical studies. Alongside the coverage of the biblical narrative, the students will study major historical and cultural developments in the ancient near east that cast light on the Old Testament.

This course focuses on the content of the Old Testament and introduces methods for studying the Bible. Particular attention is paid to learning the various genres of the Old Testament and to the introduction of critical issues for biblical studies. Alongside the coverage of the biblical narrative, the students will study major historical and cultural developments in the ancient near east that cast light on the Old Testament. Critical thinking and research skills are introduced.

New Testament Literature continues the purposes of Old Testament Literature and Biblical Hermeneutics: to integrate a Christian worldview with Bible study and scripture. In this course, the student will continue to learn how to read the Bible, while studying the inter-testamental period and the New Testament.

A general introduction to the Bible and the principles of biblical interpretation.

An analysis of the epistle to the Ephesians designed to put into practice the inductive study skills learned in REL-228. The course reviews background, theme and analytical study of the epistle to understand and apply principles that are relevant in ministry leadership.

An introduction to various methods of Bible study. Emphasis is placed upon inductive study with the intent to provide a method by which ministry leaders become independent students of Scripture. The inductive method is applied to various literary genres of both the Old and New Testaments.

A study of the history of redemption from Adam to Moses as set forth in the Pentateuch. Special attention is given to God's purposes in the call of Abraham and the establishment of the Mosaic economy.

A study of the four Gospels including their backgrounds, themes, outlines and distinguishing features, distinctive portrayals of Christ and His life and ministry as set forth in the Gospel of Mark.

A study of the basic principles of biblical interpretation. Emphasis is placed upon the cultural, historical, grammatical and theological method of interpretation. The application of these principles is drawn specifically from the Old Testament scriptures. The course is designed to provide ministry leaders with a method to properly interpret the Bible.

A survey of the writings of Paul including backgrounds, themes, outlines and distinguishing features with special attention given to the book of Romans.

An introductory survey of the Old Testament books of wisdom including a study of major themes, characteristics of Hebrew poetry and principles that can be applied to Christian living.

This course focuses on the content of the New Testament and continues developing methods for studying the Bible. Particular attention is paid to the various genres of the New Testament while introducing critical issues for biblical studies. Major historical and cultural developments in the Mediterranean area of the Hellenistic period are surveyed. Work will continue on critical thinking and research skills.

A study of the basic principles of biblical interpretation. Special emphasis is given to the method of reading Scripture through a range of New Testament texts. Aspects of this method include attention to cultural, historical, grammatical and theological interpretation.

An overview of the Old Testament from Genesis to Job, noting its historical perspective and spiritual application.

An overview of the Old Testament from Proverbs to Malachi, noting its historical perspective and spiritual application.

An overview of the New Testament Scriptures, Matthew-Acts, guiding one to understand the historical and biblical context of the New Testament.

An overview of the Pauline Letters, General Epistles, and Revelation, guiding one to understand the historical and biblical context of the New Testament.

A study of the history of redemption from Adam to Moses as set forth in the Pentateuch. Special attention is given to God's purposes in the call of Abraham and the establishment of the Mosaic economy.

An analysis of the form and content of the books of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and of a number of Egyptian and Mesopotamian texts. The course explores wisdom's worldview and how wisdom literature deals with the issue of theodicy.

An analysis of the form and content of the Old Testament prophets. The course contextualizes Old Testament prophecy within its Ancient Near Eastern background. Attention is paid to early prophetic traditions, the role of the monarchical prophets in the formation of Israel as a state, the emergence of the prophets in the eighth century BCE, and their continued function into the post-exilic period. Special attention is given to the role of social justice and the prophets.

An analysis of the writings of Paul for the purposes of constructing a Pauline theology on such doctrines as man, redemption, incarnation, the church, and last things.

A synthetic study of the General Epistles from Hebrews through Jude. Places particular emphasis on the ethical contributions of James and the basic motifs of the Johannine and Petrine epistles.

A study of the four Gospels, including their backgrounds, themes, outlines and distinguishing features, and distinctive portraits of Christ, as well as a study of the life and ministry of Christ as set forth in the Gospel of Mark.

A study tour in Israel that combines travel with lectures and relevant readings. Site visits throughout the country will focus on historical geography, archaeology, and the relationship between the land and the biblical stories attested in the Old and New Testaments. The trip also will provide context to understand the modern Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A study of the periods of Israel's history from the Patriarchs to the Restoration in relation to the surrounding nations of the Near East and the unfolding theological revelation of these periods centered in the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic institutions, Israel's response of apostasy and formalism, and the prophetic reactions to that defection.

The inter-testamental period is considered in its historical development as a bridge to the New Testament era. The New Testament is set in its historical, political, cultural, social, economic and religious environments. Considers the major biblical theological themes that emerge from the New Testament in their historical development and presentation.

Practical field experience in a ministry context designed to help the student develop ministry skills and to clarify the student's sense of vocation.

An examination of Judges in its historical context. Particular attention will be given to Hebrew narrative, the tribal system and societal structure in ancient Israel, Israelite religion, and various interpretative methodologies. The seminar will help students develop competency in research, Hebrew word studies, archaeological interpretation, and historical geography.

This course explores ancient Israel's expression of faith in different seasons and aspects of life. Students will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of psalms by analyzing the form and content of a variety of psalms.

A study of the historical, literary, and theological features of the Book of Revelation and the various schools of its interpretation. The course will examine various examples of apocalyptic literature as they inform our understanding of Revelation.

This course on Romans is built upon the hermeneutical and biblical literature courses. The seminar aims to develop the student's ability to grasp the textual content and application of this important book of the Bible. Emphasis is on the analytical and textual work of the student supplemented by the insight of the professor.

An introduction to the process of determining the original meaning and contemporary significance of biblical texts . The course includes lecture, discussion and individual research . The course must be completed within the first 15 credits of enrollment .

A study of the elements of Koine Greek.

A continuation of Greek I with exercises in reading the Greek New Testament, introduction to NT Textual Criticism and the use of basic lexical and syntactical tools.

An introduction to the historical and cultural contexts of the events and authors of the Old Testament, as well as an examination of the literary features and theological emphases of each book.

An introduction to the historical and cultural contexts of the events and authors of the New Testament, as well as an examination of the literary features and theological emphases of each book.

An introduction to the basic grammar and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew.

A continuation of Hebrew I with emphasis on grammar, syntax and expansion of vocabulary by means of translating simple texts.

A study of the message of Genesis (English text), with emphasis on interpretive method as well as the foundational theology of this book for understanding the place of humanity in God's created order and the call on those of faith to be a blessing to all nations . For students with Hebrew, the course involves exegesis of selected portions of Hebrew text.

A study of the Book of Psalms (English text), with emphasis on interpretive method as well as the continued relevance of psalms for individual spirituality, corporate worship and the cry for God's coming kingdom and its King, Jesus the Messiah. For students with Hebrew, the course involves exegesis of selected portions of Hebrew text.

An analysis of the English test of Daniel, its structure and message, and its contributions to Old Testament biblical theology, especially eschatology. Pre-requisite: BBL-501

A literary and theological study of Mark with a focus on how the narrative configures the identity and mission of Jesus Christ in relation to the God of Israel and what it means to be disciples of Jesus. Special attention will be given to the Gospel's narrative devices, its use of the Scriptures and its relevance for discipleship and ministry.

Exposition of this Gospel with emphasis on its themes of Christology, kingdom and church.

An examination of the Gospel of Luke with concentration on its message and preparation of narrative material for preaching and teaching.

An exegetical examination of the Acts of the Apostles with concentration on the biblical theology of the Book of the Acts, the historical background of events and the theological emphasis of the speeches. Special attention is given to the relationship between the church and Israel in the early church era.

An exposition of this letter in terms of its significance for biblical and systematic theology.

The course engages students in readings, critical reflection, online discussion and in reflective and exegetical writing related to the Book of Galatians . Consideration is given to the history of interpretation, exegetical method for interpretation, difficult issues related to interpretation and to theological development. The course culminates for the student in the development of a written exegetical research commentary on one section of the Book of Galatians.

Interpretation of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus in relationship to ministry and church life.

A verse-by-verse interpretation of the epistle with special attention to the literary structure, the use of the Old Testament, the Christology and the problem of apostasy.

The text of James will be studied with special emphasis on its connections to the Old Testament, the Gospels, Second Temple Judaism and its contribution to wisdom and ethical literature in the New Testament.

An exposition of the Apocalypse in view of genre, history of interpretation, structure and theological significance.

Through extensive travel and on-site study, this course provides a detailed study of the history, culture and geography of ancient Israel, the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean Basin from the Late Bronze Age through the Roman period with an emphasis on illuminating the world of the Bible. In cooperation with GTI Tours, this intensive study trip includes interaction with maps, archaeological resources and ancient Near Eastern and Second Temple period comparative literature. This course is open as an elective to all students in any program (degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking) and may be taken for credit or as an audit. In addition to tuition, each student will be charged a course fee to cover the travel and accommodation costs associated with the study tour. The fee is due upon approval of participation and must be paid directly to the Cornerstone University Accounting Office. Scholarships are available; application determines eligibility

A literary and theological study of the letter with special attention to its structure, the character of its argument, its theological orientation within its ancient ideological and cultural setting and its vision for the church.

A study of the Old Testament wisdom literature (English text of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs and wisdom psalms), with emphasis on the theology of wise living and the relevance of these books to biblical theology and contemporary culture. For students with Hebrew, the course involves exegesis of selected portions of Hebrew text.

A study of the message of Isaiah (English text), with emphasis on the prophet's vital contribution to the unfolding message of God's kingdom-the role of his royal, suffering Servant. For students with Hebrew, the course involves exegesis of selected portions of Hebrew text.

A study of the message of selected Minor Prophets in their original contexts (English text), with emphasis on interpretive method as well as relevance for spiritual formation and engagement with contemporary culture. For students with Hebrew, the course involves exegesis of selected portions of Hebrew text. The following two groupings are offered regularly. AMOS AND HOSEA A study of the message of two prophets who ministered as judgment dawned on the northern kingdom, calling Israel back to its covenantal obligation to social justice and loving devotion to God. MICAH, ZEPHANIAH, HABAKKUK A study of the message of three prophets who served at crisis points in the history of the southern kingdom, calling the nation's leadership to account and offering hope to the faithful remnant who suffered in the face of national calamity.

An introduction to the methods of Hebrew exegesis, including textual criticism, syntactical and discourse analysis and lexical studies, with further development of skills in translating and understanding Hebrew narrative.

A study of the content and biblical theology of Genesis through Deuteronomy, including exegesis of selected texts from various literary genres. This course engages questions of composition, ancient history and culture, New Testament correlation, contemporary challenges to religion and ethics in the Old Testament, as well as the relevance and communication of the canonical message of these texts to contemporary culture.

A study of the content and biblical theology of Joshua through Malachi, including exegesis of selected texts from the Prophets, Psalms and wisdom literature. This course engages questions of composition, ancient history and culture, New Testament correlation, as well as the relevance and communication of the canonical message of these texts to contemporary culture. Emphasis is placed on the message of Isaiah, Psalms and selected wisdom themes.

Study and analysis of the purpose, structure, emphases and significance of the English text of the fourth Gospel.

A detailed study of the text of 1 Corinthians with emphasis on the relevance of this epistle for the contemporary church.

An introduction to the theory of translation and practice of exegesis. Selections in the Pauline epistles are used to apply grammatical and hermeneutical principles of Greek exegesis. The life and writings of Paul are introduced.

An introduction to the study of the Gospels, emphasizing exegetical method. Students will become aware of the rudiments of historical, source, form, redaction and literary critical methods. They will also develop their own skills in the exegesis of Gospel texts with a view to biblical theology and the ministry of the word.

An introduction to the study of Hebrews, the General Epistles and Revelation, emphasizing Greek exegesis and biblical theology. Students will consider the historical setting of these books and develop their exegetical skills by working with selected texts. Growth in doing biblical theology and expository ministry is also targeted.

This course will aid students in constructing and enacting a theology of public justice by integrating sound biblical exegesis, theology that is grounded in the historic Christian tradition and appropriating insights from contemporary justice movements.

This course will aid students in constructing and enacting a theology of public justice by integrating sound biblical exegesis, theology that is grounded in the historic Christian tradition and appropriating insights from contemporary justice movements. This course serves as a capstone for the Master of Arts in biblical studies.

An introduction to the grammar, vocabulary and syntax of biblical Aramaic. The course will focus on reading selections from Daniel and Ezra but will also include readings in extra-biblical Aramaic texts.

Methods of interpreting Jesus' parables are surveyed and then an eclectic model drawing on the best insights of each is applied to each of the major narrative parables in the Gospels. Conclusions are drawn concerning the theology and significance of this portion of Jesus' teaching.

A more advanced study of Greek grammar than Greek I and II with emphasis on learning grammatical labels and applying them to the Greek text.

This course is an exegetical and theological study of the Greek text of the New Testament epistle to the Ephesians. The text will be translated and grammatically and structurally analyzed in relation to selected commentary and journal literature on the epistle.

This guided course will equip the student to survey relevant scholarship and prepare a thesis proposal and outline.

Individual research in a particular area under the direction of a member of the Old Testament faculty. Registration for this course requires adviser approval.

Supervised independent study for advanced students in New Testament. Registration for this course requires adviser approval.

A formal class which addresses the interests of students and faculty. Courses may include current issues, biblical and theological areas and other subjects which call for special analysis.

The student will write a thesis (50-75 pages) under the supervision of a faculty thesis adviser on a significant approved topic in the major field. The thesis format should be governed by "A Manual for Writers of Papers, Theses and Dissertations" (current edition) by Kate L. Turabian, along with any supplemental materials and/or instructions provided by the seminary . Registration for this course requires adviser approval. Each enrolled student will be charged an additional fee of $100 .00 for thesis review and binding.

Guided study in Aramaic, or if competency already is demonstrated for Aramaic, then Ugaritic, Akkadian or Middle Egyptian may be substituted.

Guided study of critical issues in the history and culture of ancient Israel within the context of the ancient Near East. In addition to extensive reading in biblical and ancient Near Eastern literature, archaeology and historical geography, students will present a final paper before the faculty of Old Testament.

Guided study of critical issues and contemporary methods in the study of the Old Testament. In addition to extensive reading in the various subfields of biblical criticism, students will present a final paper before the faculty of the Old Testament.

Guided exegesis in selected texts in a variety of genres. The student will incorporate a variety of constructive approaches to biblical criticism and demonstrate competency using the advanced search capabilities of electronic tools. The final paper will be an exegetical commentary on a selected text.

For this course, the student will be expected to have a working knowledge of Greek grammar and to have translated the entire Greek New Testament.

The student will be expected to know the basis, history and methodology of textual criticism . The student must have a general awareness of those significant historical developments from the Persian period through the Bar Kokhba's revolt which form the backdrop for the New Testament.

The student will sight-read the Greek text and discuss the exegetical issues with the major professor. They will also prepare a list of major exegetical problems for each book.

The student will sight-read the Greek text and discuss the exegetical issues with the major professor. They will also prepare a list of major exegetical problems for each book.

The student will sight-read the Greek text and discuss the exegetical issues with the major professor. They will also prepare a list of major exegetical problems for each book.

The student will select, with the guidance of the academic adviser, an enrichment module outside the program major.

Guided study of classic and contemporary Old Testament theologies, engaging as well at the interface with Israelite religions. In addition to written review of the primary literature, the student will present a final paper before the faculty of the Old Testament on a topic that demonstrates their own method.

The student will write a thesis (60-100 pages) on a significant and approved topic in the major field. The thesis format should be governed by "A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations" (current edition) by Kate Turabian, along with supplemental materials and/or instructions provided by the seminary. The thesis will be supervised by a thesis adviser and defended before a faculty committee. Each enrolled student will be charged an additional fee of $125.00 for thesis review and binding.