1 NT/OT 795: Biblical Theology Seminar Syllabus Course Description This seminar focuses on certain primary themes and fundamental theological issues shared by both Testaments. Expanded Description This course examines the synthetic task of theology, the unity and diversity of Scripture, through: 1. Reading that covers various topics or themes in Scripture; 2. Online, PowerPoint lectures to be completed prior to class; 3. Saturday mini-seminars and class discussion. The course begins with a focus on methodology—various ways to discuss the unity and diversity of Scripture in Biblical Theology. This matter runs throughout the course as nine themes in Biblical theology are explored: the mission of God, covenant theology, the Trinity in the Bible, Christology, Pneumatology, Kingdom and Gospel, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. Course Prerequisites and Relation to the Curriculum Pre-requisites: Since this is an advanced, “capstone” course in the curriculum, students will have already taken the two Bible Survey courses, Greek, Hebrew, both OT and NT interpretation courses, and at least one 600 level OT exegesis course. This course is a required part of the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts degrees in Biblical Studies (Biblical Studies, Old Testament Studies, and New Testament Studies). Be aware that there is an English-based Biblical Theology course, OT/NT517, that is an alternative to this course for students in other degree programs (ones lacking the Biblical languages requirements; the appropriate course should be taken for your degree). The course relates to the mission of Gordon-Conwell to train people in a knowledge of the Bible and the correct use of Scripture. Graduates of the seminary are trained to think Biblically, and, since theological study and ministry practice should always proceed from a Biblical theology, this course carries the charge to prepare students accordingly. Canvas Spring 2019 Professor: Dr. Rollin G. Grams, Professor of Biblical Theology and Ethics E-mail: [email protected]Meeting Times: Module 1, Saturdays only: 9:30 am – 3:45 pm: Jan. 26, Feb. 23, Mar. 23 Prerequisites: 600 level OT exegesis course and NT 502 (these assume other courses have been completed, too) Work for Course Begins: 22 January, 2019 Work for Course Ends: 13 May, 2019 (check Registrar’s date for completion of assignments for graduating seniors)
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NT/OT 795: Biblical Theology Seminar Syllabus...already taken the two Bible Survey courses, Greek, Hebrew, both OT and NT interpretation courses, and at least one 600 level OT exegesis
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NT/OT 795: Biblical Theology Seminar Syllabus
Course Description
This seminar focuses on certain primary themes and fundamental theological issues shared by both
Testaments.
Expanded Description
This course examines the synthetic task of theology, the unity and diversity of Scripture, through:
1. Reading that covers various topics or themes in Scripture;
2. Online, PowerPoint lectures to be completed prior to class;
3. Saturday mini-seminars and class discussion.
The course begins with a focus on methodology—various ways to discuss the unity and diversity
of Scripture in Biblical Theology. This matter runs throughout the course as nine themes in
Biblical theology are explored: the mission of God, covenant theology, the Trinity in the Bible,
Christology, Pneumatology, Kingdom and Gospel, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology.
Course Prerequisites and Relation to the Curriculum
Pre-requisites: Since this is an advanced, “capstone” course in the curriculum, students will have
already taken the two Bible Survey courses, Greek, Hebrew, both OT and NT interpretation
courses, and at least one 600 level OT exegesis course. This course is a required part of the Master
of Divinity and the Master of Arts degrees in Biblical Studies (Biblical Studies, Old Testament
Studies, and New Testament Studies). Be aware that there is an English-based Biblical Theology
course, OT/NT517, that is an alternative to this course for students in other degree programs (ones
lacking the Biblical languages requirements; the appropriate course should be taken for your
degree).
The course relates to the mission of Gordon-Conwell to train people in a knowledge of the Bible
and the correct use of Scripture. Graduates of the seminary are trained to think Biblically, and,
since theological study and ministry practice should always proceed from a Biblical theology, this
course carries the charge to prepare students accordingly.
Canvas
Spring 2019
Professor: Dr. Rollin G. Grams, Professor of Biblical Theology and Ethics
Meeting Times: Module 1, Saturdays only: 9:30 am – 3:45 pm: Jan. 26, Feb. 23, Mar. 23 Prerequisites: 600 level OT exegesis course and NT 502 (these assume other courses have been
completed, too)
Work for Course Begins: 22 January, 2019
Work for Course Ends: 13 May, 2019 (check Registrar’s date for completion of assignments for graduating
seniors)
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This course utilizes the Canvas learning management system. (Canvas is replacing Sakai.) Course
lessons, materials, assignments, assignment submission, online activities, and grades will be in
Canvas.
If this is your first course in Canvas, please take the time to become familiar with it BEFORE the
class starts. The NT/OT795 course site will be available about a week before class starts. There
are tutorials in the course site in Modules/Getting Started. If you do not have access to Canvas, or
need general assistance, contact the Service Desk at [email protected]. If
something is not working properly in the NT/OT795 site in Canvas, contact site designer Erin
1. What is required for a Biblical topic to be a ‘Biblical Theology’ on that topic? Is a ‘Biblical Theology of
Leadership’ possible?
2. What are the differences between Biblical Theology, Historical Theology, Contextual Theology, and
Systematic Theology? What challenges does Biblical Theology pose for Systematic Theology? Relatedly, what
are the points of overlap and places of difference between theology studied as the interpretation of texts, sacred
narrative, a logically organized system of ideas, an evolving community’s witness, and as application to new
contexts?
3. How does Biblical theology relate to the theology of authors/texts versus that of the Biblical canon?
4. Discuss the three rival versions of theological enquiry as a lens for understanding different scholars’
approaches to theological studies that you have encountered at seminary. What difference will this make in
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approaches to Biblical theology? Furthermore, how has the relativism in postmodern deconstructivism evolved
into a preference for the set of actions and views of a particular group (‘tribalism’), and what does this mean for
theology?
5. Discuss the tasks of theological enquiry, with a focus on the relationship between the first two tasks and the
third and fourth tasks (see Rival Versions, chs. 1, 3).
6. What is the relationship between history and theology in Scripture? Consider the difference between historical
facts or events, the interpretation of events, and the presentation of theological truth (beyond literal description).
7. What are the ways in which we can speak of ‘unity’ in theology?
8. Where is there significant diversity in Scripture? Between OT and NT? Between Biblical authors? How do
we account for that diversity?
Assignments:
Be prepared to discuss the reading in class.
Working ahead: this module will contribute to your first paper on methodology (due later in the semester).
Seminar Two: Missional Biblical Theology
6 – 12 February
Reading (170 pages)
C Christopher Wright, The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative (Downers Grove, IL: IVP
Academic, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-2571-4. Pp. 71-188, 501-530 = 147.
Robin Routledge, Old Testament Theology (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2013).
ISBN-10: 0830839925 ISBN-13: 978-0830839926. Read: ‘God and the Nations,’ pp. 311-334.
Further Reading:
Richard Bauckham, Bible and Mission: Christian Witness in a Postmodern World (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 2004). ISBN-13: 978-0801027710
Michael W. Goheen, ed., Reading the Bible Missionally (The Gospel and Our Culture Series; Grand Rapids, MI:
Eerdmans, 2016). ISBN- 978-0802872258
Rollin Grams, The Mission of Jesus and His Disciples in the Gospels (unpublished, 2016). Pages 122. Available
on Canvas (for students in this course)
Christopher Wright, The Mission of God’s People: A Biblical Theology of the Church’s Mission (Grand Rapids,
MI: Zondervan, 2010).
Lectures: 1. Old Testament Missional Theology (Parts 1 and 2: 1 hour 14 minutes)
2. God and Mission in the Old Testament: The Nations in God’s Plan (29 ½ minutes)
3. Paul’s Mission Goals & Methods and the Gospel (1 hour 5 minutes)
Guiding Questions: 1. What is the difference between reading the Bible to study the theme of missions and reading the Bible as a
missional book? (Cf. C. Wright.)
2. In light of the previous lesson’s challenges about whether there is such a thing as a ‘Biblical Theology of ….’
projects (e.g., leadership, counseling, finances, and so on), discuss the pros and cons of reading the Bible as a
missional corpus.
3. From C. Wright’s The Mission of God, how might we consider mission as God’s mission to make His glory
known? How might this be a perspective on missional biblical theology in the New Testament as well (consider
Ephesians 1, Gospel of John, and Revelation, e.g.)?
3. Compare an understanding of mission as God’s mission to make His glory known (among His people, the nations,
in the cosmos) and as our mission to proclaim the Gospel of salvation with respect to the OT and NT and the
following:
a. Centripetal (inward force) vs. Centrifugal (outward force)
b. Ecclesiology, Ethics, and Evangelism: what are the relationships between the mission of God’s people as a
community, ethics (community, character), and the proclamation and profession of faith?
c. What do you think about C. Wright’s models of redemption (the Exodus) and restoration (the Jubilee) for
missions? Are they picked up elsewhere in the OT? In the NT?
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d. Eschatology: will there be mission after the Day of the Lord, after Jesus returns?
4. What are the key passages in Scripture that emerge through the lens of mission? 5. How do approaches to Biblical theology discussed in this course so far challenge Dispensational theology, and
what do you make of the differences?
6. What stands out to you as helpful from the readings and lectures? What would you challenge or want to state
differently or explore further? What are you learning about how to read the Bible theologically and how to do
theology (to theologize) Biblically? Assignments: 1. Be prepared to discuss the guiding questions in our next Saturday seminar.
2. Continue working ahead for your first paper on methodology as you listen to lectures and complete the reading.
3. Begin to take notes for your final paper. You should be writing this paper throughout the course and not at the
end. See the description of this 2nd paper in Seminar Eight.
Seminar Three: Covenant Biblical Theology
13 February – 5 March
Reading (440 pages):
Scott Hafemann, and Paul R. House, eds., Central Themes in Biblical Theology: Mapping Unity
in Diversity (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2007). Pp. 336. ISBN-13: 978-0801034237. Read the following:
Scott J. Hafemann on the covenant relationship, pp. 20-65 = 45
Thomas R. Schreiner on the commands of God, pp. 66-101 = 45
Roy E. Ciampa on the history of redemption, pp. 254-308 = 54
Robin Routledge, Old Testament Theology (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2013).
‘God and His People (2): Worship and Sacrifice,’ pp. 175-208 = 33
Christopher Wright, The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative (Downers Grove, IL: IVP
Academic, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-2571-4. Pp. 421-433, 454-500 = 49
Lectures: 1. The Human Condition in Rom. 1 (Total time: 1 hour and 58 minutes)
2. Kingdom of God (Part I: 46 minutes; Part II: 33 minutes)
Guiding Questions:
1. What is the Gospel?
2. What is the OT basis for the NT Gospel? Which texts are important? How does the Gospel in the early
Church teaching offer something new from OT Theology?
3. Is it correct to say that the Proclaimer (Jesus, who preached the Kingdom of God/Heaven) became the proclaimed
(the Gospel of/about Jesus Christ)? What is the relationship between the notion of the Kingdom of God (in the
Synoptic Gospels) and the Gospel (in Paul)? That is, what is the relationship between Jesus’ (and John the
Baptist’s) preaching and Paul’s preaching?
4. How does a study of diverse terms for salvation in Paul (see Rollin Grams, According to the Gospel, Appendix
I) help us to understand his theology more broadly—rather than, say, focus on a single term such as ‘justification’?
5. What else did you learn from the lectures and reading in this seminar? What further study occurs to you to
undertake? Are there places where you would want to say things differently?
Assignments:
1. Be prepared to discuss the guiding questions in our next Saturday seminar.
2. Continue working ahead for your second paper as you listen to lectures and complete the reading
Seminar Five: Christological Biblical Theology
20 March – 2 April
Reading (219 pages):
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Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the God of Israel (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2003). Read pp. 1-59,
127-151, 182-268 = 169
Scott Hafemann, and Paul R. House, eds., Central Themes in Biblical Theology: Mapping Unity in Diversity
(Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2007). Pp. 336. ISBN-13: 978-0801034237. Read:
Stephen G. Dempster on the servant of the Lord, pp. 128-178 = 50
Further Reading:
Larry Hurtado, Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005).
ISBN-13: 978-0802831675
Christopher Wright, Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament, 2nd ed. (Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 2014). ISBN 978-0-8308-2359-8
Lectures:
1. New Testament Christology (Parts 1, 2, 3)
2. Christological Titles
Guiding Questions:
1. From the reading and lecture, what is Bauckham’s suggestion for discussing ‘divine identity,’ and how does it
relate/contrast to other approaches? How is early Christian Christology still monotheistic from a Jewish
perspective?
2. Which Biblical texts rise to significance for Bauckham’s discussion of Christology and the OT? Does the NT
engage the OT ‘appropriately’—shedding light on the true meaning of the OT?
3. What stands out to you from the lectures and reading? Where do you think the arguments could be improved?
4. Regarding the OT and Jesus’ Passion in the Gospels [from the appendix in Grams, According to My Gospel],
discuss the following questions:
Old Testament and Jesus’ Passion: Class Discussion a. What strikes you simply about the number of OT references (quotes or allusions) in Jesus’ passion
narrative? How does this speak to the issue of ‘event’ vs. ‘interpreted event’ in Biblical theology?
b. What difference does it make to read Jesus’ passion in light of the OT references? What medium (poetry,
live video, artistic film, narrative) best captures allusions to the OT—and what is gained or lost by using
other mediums?
c. Which psalms, and what kinds of psalms (lament, praise, hymns, royal) are commonly referenced in
relation to Jesus’ Passion? Look these over and discuss what you see. What is the message of these psalms,
not only of the verses quoted or alluded to in the Passion narratives (assuming what is quoted in the NT is a
‘hook’ to read further in the entire section/psalm?
d. Are the psalms prophetic, predicting Jesus’ passion (predicting what happened)? Or are they ‘fulfilled’ by
Jesus in the sense that, while they apply to others’ lives, they reach a fulfillment in Jesus’ life? Do they
explain why Jesus suffered and died?
e. Do we have any reason to believe that Jesus Himself was responsible for a particular interpretation of the
OT that related to His person and ministry, particularly His suffering and death, versus this being something
from the later Christian community or Gospel authors?
f. Thinking generally, what does it mean to fulfill the lament psalms of Israel? What does it mean for Jesus
to fulfill the lament psalms written by David? Also discuss the final parallel noted about David, Jesus, and
the Mt. of Olives.
g. Examine Jesus’ fulfillment of other OT passages than the Psalms. How do they explain Jesus’ suffering
and death? Do they explain how and/or why Jesus suffered and died?
h. What do you note about any similarities and differences in the use of the Old Testament in the Passion
narratives between the Synoptic Gospels and between the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John?
5. How would you explain to a Jew that Jesus fulfills the OT hopes and promises, even and especially in His
death and resurrection?
6. How would you explain to a Muslim that the Christian faith is monotheistic? How would you explain to a
Muslim that Christian teaching on the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus is entirely consistent with
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divine identity and offers us a greater hope? (This topic takes us beyond Biblical theology per se, but discussing
it helps us to understand Scripture better—keep the focus on Scripture and its interpretation.) Saturday Seminar: 23 February, 9:30 – 12:00; Lunch 12:00 – 1:15; 1:15– 3:45
1. The Spirit in the OT (Part I: 36 minutes; Part II: 24 minutes)
2. The Spirit in the NT (Part I: 20 minutes; Part II: 52 minutes); Part III: 30 minutes)
3. The Trinity in Scripture and the Early Church (Part I: 44 minutes; Part II: 44 minutes; Part III: )
Guiding Questions:
1. Can we speak of the divine, Holy Spirit within the pages of the Old Testament? Which OT passages come into
focus when we look at the OT through the lens of the Spirit?
2. How does Biblical teaching on the Spirit relate to other OT theological topics, such as creation, the people of
God, ethics, eschatology? How do these relate to the NT?
3. Can we say that the Bible has or supports a Trinitarian theology?
4. What stands out to you in your reading of Thiselton? Where would you want to challenge or improve on his
arguments? How does he speak to unique views on pneumatology from Cessationists, Pentecostals, and
Charismatics? Do you agree with his interpretation of Acts regarding speaking in tongues? Being filled with the
Spirit?
5. What have you learned from this seminar about the Spirit and interpretation of Scripture? Also discuss the
‘power of God’ at this point, particularly in relation to the Spirit’s role in Scripture and in the Church today. How
does this seminar encourage/challenge your understanding of spiritual life and the church’s life in the Spirit? Assignments: There are no further Saturday seminars. Post a 300 – 350 word answer to one of the guiding questions, or a part to
one of these questions. Engage the reading and lectures, as well as Scripture. Be sensitive to issues/methods in
Biblical theology. Read the posts of your fellow seminar participants (this is expected, but there is no reporting).
5% of final grade.
Due: 16 April.
Seminar Seven: Ecclesiological Biblical Theology
17 - 30 April (Note: Easter is Sunday 21 April)
Reading (123 pages):
Rollin G. Grams, Gathered for Worship: Biblical Studies on the Church (Franschhoek, South
Africa: Machaira Publications, 2016). Available from: bookstore, www.bibleandmission.blogspot.com. Pp. 4-39
= 36.
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Scott Hafemann, and Paul R. House, eds., Central Themes in Biblical Theology: Mapping Unity
in Diversity (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2007). Pp. 336. ISBN-13: 978-0801034237. Read the following:
Elmer A. Martens on the people of God, pp. 225-253 = 28
Robin Routledge, Old Testament Theology (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2013).