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Orality As The Key To Understanding Apostolic Proclamation In The Epistles, Thomas Winger

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Redaction criticism and its modern successors in the literary field, while they give more credit to the text and the author, have at the same time mired the academy again into a modern mud of sources and manipulation. There is promise in certain new paths—rhetoric, reader-response, speech-act theory, methods which we will note briefly in the first chapter. But finally we must move out of the "academy" and into the church. For the orality of Scripture is not just about its origin but also about its use and purpose. The Scriptures are a liturgical piece. They belong not on the …

Isaiah's Damascus Oracle: Responding To International Threats, Harald Schoubye

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

I propose the following theses: (1) since Isaiah 17-18 fit under the same superscription we therefore should and can interpret them as one unit;(2) and that Isaiah 1-16 supplies the reader with the necessary information to interpret Isaiah 17-18 sufficiently. I believe we will find a unity supported by the composition of Isaiah 17-18, by the themes and metaphors in Isaiah 17-18, and through the events that Isaiah 17-18 describe.

The method that I will use to prove this thesis will be to study the information both external to the text and internal to it. First, I will seek to …

Genre And Outline: The Key To The Literary Structure Of Hebrews, Harald Tomesch

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The primary purpose of this dissertation is to outline the relationship of the opening periodic sentence (Figure 3.1) and its syntactical, grammatical, semantic, exegetical and hermeneutical relationship to the Sermon in Miniature found in Figures 3.2 and 3.3. With this as the primary focus the ground will have been laid for the ongoing appraisal of the sermon as a whole (Figure 3.4). The overall outline of the sermon will be examined briefly so that the reader may understand that the schematic does function in a simple fashion for the rest of the epistle. As we move through the veil of …

The Lord's Prayer-Its Interpretation And A Reassessment Of An Eschatological Orientation, Favoring The Prayer's Primary Application As Being For The Present Gospel Age, David Fielding

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

"The Lord's Prayer: Its Interpretation and a Reassessment of an Eschatological Orientation, Favoring the Prayer's Primary Application as Being for the Present Gospel Age"

This dissertation (633 pp.) by David Fielding, Th.D., 1995,NT Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO., defends the applicability of the LP for the present Gospel age on the basis of its seven imperative verbs understood as typical "prayer aorists." Therefore a strictly future eschatological interpretation restricts the rich meaning of this Prayer, taught by Jesus on more than one occasion. The orientation of the LP primarily to the present is also supported by its context …

Marriage And The Image Of God As It Is Reflected In Paul's Understanding Of Women And The Ministry In Four Passages: 1 Cor. 11:2-16; 14:33b-36; Eph. 5:22-33; 1 Tim. 2:11-15, Lane Burgland

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This study proposes to examine the Pauline texts which bear most directly upon the subject of women and their involvement in the ministry of word and sacrament. Several evangelical feminist6writers will be engaged in the study at specific points in the interpretation. The primary goal of this paper, however, is to produce an exegesis of these four passages which identifies the basis of Paul's comments and demonstrates their unity. This work is intended to answer the question: "how does what Paul's says about women in four passages reflect his understanding of the image of God and Christology?"

The contribution this …

When God Becomes Your Enemy- The Theology Of The Complaint Psalms, Ingvar Floysvik

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The experience of being forgotten, rejected or even attacked by God has been very real for people of all times. An untimely death in the family, prolonged sickness, unfair treatment in the community or in court, or on the larger scale, natural disasters, war and persecution, these and other catastrophes may make individuals or whole communities experience God as an enemy. Readers of the Bible recognize that income psalms the psalmists share these experiences. They complain to God that he has abandoned them or that he is angry with them. The present dissertation is an investigation into the theology of …

Reading 2 Corinthians 3:4-18: An Exercise In Exegesis, Vilson Scholz

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Paul's letters have a reading history of almost two millennia. It is a history of readings and misreadings, of grasping the general drift of the texts and of being puzzled when it comes down to the details. Readers have felt this ever since the New Testament era. Already in the first century Saint Peter writes that some things in Paul’s letters are "hard to understand" (2 Pet. 3:16).

Jesus And The Gentiles In The Gospel Of Matthew: A Historical Study Of The Redemption Motif, Young Jin Kim

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

To obtain the proper understanding of Jesus' relation to the Gentiles in the Gospel of Matthew, the following objectives should be met: our study shall deal with (1) the Old Testament passages pertinent to our subject, (2) every Matthean passage which provides explicit or implicit information on our theme, (3) the salvation-historical significance of the text, and (4) the total context of the Gospel.

A form-critical approach with its presuppositions is not in order for our study since this approach fails to meet objectives three and four. A redaction-critical approach which has been the dominant discipline in recent Matthean scholarship …

The Λογος-Christology In The Prologue Of The Gospel Of John As A Bridge Concept Between The Old Testament Shekinah Events And Johannine Christology, Chul Hae Kim

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The purpose of this study is to trace the origin and meaning of the λóγος of John in the Prologue. The main question in this study is why John used the Greek word λóγος instead of one of the many other terms from the Old Testament or Greek philosophy which were familiar to the readers of his Gospel. Another question is what was the intention of John by adopting the Greek term λóγος in the Prologue.

One of the basic principles of this study is to search for the meaning of the Johannine λóγος in the context. That is, the …

Theological Nuance In The Synoptic Nature Miracles, Mark Schuler

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

In a previous work we have questioned such conclusions and argued instead that it is between superstition and skepticism where one meets the world view of most in the first century and further that reported miracle phenomena were hardly "common" when consideration is limited to first-century material.

With this study, we complement our previous work by positing that miracles are essential to the Gospel. A definition of "miracles" would be unnecessary were it not for their essential Gospel traditions (oral and written narratives) and to the Gospel itself (δ ́uναμις γ ̀αρ θεοῦ ’εστιν ε’ις σωτηρ́iαν--Rom.1:16). Miracles are not peripheral.

The "I" In The Storm: Paul's Use Of The First Person Singular In Romans 7, Michael Middendorf

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The purpose here is not merely "to spill more ink.” Rather, it is to address approaches to and facets of these issues which have not yet been adequately considered or appreciated. This thesis proposes to answer the questions surrounding the identity, the spiritual condition, and the purpose of the "I" in Romans 7. It will arrive at its conclusions by means of an exegetical study of Romans 7, through an analysis of Paul's use of the first person singular in his letters, and on the basis of Pauline theology as a whole.

In order to provide the necessary background for …

The Theology Of Israel's Sea Crossing, Rodger Dalman

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

In Exodus 14:2, God commanded Israel to do a strange thing. God directed Israel to turn from their route, and to walk into a trap. By wandering to the shores of a reed sea, Israel intentionally gave Pharaoh the impression that they were lost, and tempted him to pursue them. Why would God command this? After all, Egypt had already been destroyed. Thousands of Egyptians had died. Pharaoh's will had been broken, and he had let Israel go.. The nation was already leaving Egypt for Palestine. Why did Israel not simply pass through the border fortresses and go on their …

Gadara Of The Decapolis, Lee Maxwell

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The topic of this dissertation is "Gadara of the Decapolis." The ruins of this ancient Decapolis city are situated in and to the west of the modern village of Umm Qais in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The present-day village is located about thirty kilometers northwest of the Jordanian city of Irbid and approximately ten kilometers southeast of the Sea of Galilee. The site lies atop the Jordanian plateau, which drops off sharply to the north toward the Yarmuk River and to the south toward the Wadi al-'Arab before it gradually lowers to the west in a number of terraces …

Jesus' Teaching On "Entering The Kingdom Of Heaven" In The Gospel According To Matthew (Interpretation Of Selected Matthean Texts And Parables), Caleb Huang

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

In Matthew's Gospel Jesus speaks frequently on the topic of "the Kingdom of Heaven" both in His speeches and in His parables. His purpose is not only to reveal this important truth to mankind, but also to urge people to enter this Kingdom of Heaven. This idea can be seen explicitly in His “entrance message" such as in 5:20; 7:21; 18:3; 19:23,24, along with some other related passages, and is also implied in many of His parables.2 The purpose of this study is to explain through the exegesis of selected Matthean texts and the interpretation of some Matthean parables the …

An Investigation Of Contemporary Feminist Arguments On Paul's Teaching On The Role Of Women In The Church, Hershel House Wayne

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

As may be readily seen, mass confusion pervades this problem. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the various approaches interpreters have used to understand the apostle Paul's teaching on the role of women in the church and to offer alternative ways to view the Pauline texts. Not only will I interact with the feminists on their specific perspectives of the pertinent Pauline texts, but I will examine the hermeneutical presuppositions of these writers and also attempt to discern their perspective of Scripture and how that affects the exegetical fruit they produce.

The Nature And Significance Of Christ's Death As Reflected In Selected General And Pauline Epistles, Masao Shimodate

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The death of Christ as the saving event was also the basis for Paul’s teaching on the sacraments. In the present study our interest is in the Lord's Supper rather than Baptism. Chapters 10: and: 11 of First Corinthians indicate what it was that Paul was particularly concerned about in this matter. These two chapters are the only places in which the Lord’s Supper is mentioned in the Pauline epistles.

The Hermeneutical Principles Of Theodore Laetsch With A Focus On The Relationship Between The Old And The New Testaments, James Bollhagen

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This dissertation will summarize the findings which resulted from an in-depth study of all the published works of Dr. Theodore Laetsch, professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. These writings include a commentary on Jeremiah and Lamentations, a commentary on the Minor Prophets, and eighty-six articles which appeared in the Concordia Theological Monthly.

The study was undertaken with the specific goal of ascertaining the hermeneutical principles of Laetsch, particularly those principles that address the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. The phrase "hermeneutical principles" will be employed in this paper in the following sense: an exegete's …

The Last Testaments Of Jacob And Moses, Joel Heck

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

In the light of current critical positions regarding Genesis 49 and Deuteronomy 33, the purpose of this thesis is to defend the antiquity and unity of both chapters. The defense of the authorship of Jacob and Moses serves to buttress both the antiquity and the unity of these last testaments. Recent findings in the field of Ugaritic studies have shed new light upon the proper exegesis of the individual verses. After a careful exegesis is given of both chapters, information based upon that exegesis will be pulled together to show that both chapters are of great age and to show …

Dr. H. C. J. Leupold, The Man And His Work --Especially His Exegesis, David Schreiber

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Dr. Leupold holds a pivotal position in American Lutheranism, if for no other reason than that theologically he came to be little bit at odds with his own (1960) American Lutheran Church. And because his church went off in a little bit different direction than Dr. Leupold himself, it just makes him stand out in relief that much more.

The Theological Argument Of Hebrews 11 In Light Of Its Literary Form, Merland Miller

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The scope of this study does not end with literary form, however. Too often in the past the study of literary form has been either consciously or unconsciously divorced from the study of theological argument. The hypothesis of this paper is that an understanding of literary form will aid in determining and illuminating theological argument.

The material for the study of literary form will be the texting Hebrews itself, along with the prior extant texts whose literary structure and characteristics are similar to Hebrews 11. The existence of literary material lying behind the present text is conjectural and beyond the …

A Search For The Archetype Of The Greek Gospel Lectionary, Karl Rutz

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The text of the Greek Gospel lectionary has been the object of fairly extensive scholarly research for only the last thirty years. In this period a strange scholarly consensus has come about. Although no one would maintain that the body of manuscript evidence for the Greek New Testament is homogeneous, a rather widespread opinion today is that the Greek Gospel lectionary is textually a unit.

Judgment And Grace In The Wilderness Narratives, Martin Buerger

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

It is ultimately the inclusion of the of Yahweh’s love toward Israel in the wilderness, and the contrasting judgment in times that closely parallel the saving acts, which prompt this study. In Lutheran terms this is known as gospel and law theology. The covenant made at Sinai seemingly distinguishes the way Yahweh approaches his people, and separates the narratives. The pre-Sinai narratives accentuate the gracious acts of Yahweh and the post-Sinai narratives emphasize his judgment and punishment. Considering this difference, the question is asked whether the murmurings of the people are the focal point for studies, as the emphases of …

The Cosmic Christ Of Colossians, Victor Raj

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This study was undertaken as an attempt to evaluate and possibly correct some recent interpretations of Christ's person and work. Much of theology today has left the impression that Christianity is just another agency of good will to fight against social, political and eco­ nomic injustice in the world. Accordingly, the motive behind much of contemporary theological discussions has been to challenge the church to join in what is often called the "humanization" of man.

It is our position that Christology occupies the pivotal position in any facet of Christian theology. In fact, it performs normative functions for the rest …

Was Jesus The Priestly Messiah A Study Of The New Testament's Teaching Of Jesus' Priestly Office Against The Background Of Jewish Hopes For A Priestly Messiah, Jonathan Grothe

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Thus, on a narrower scale, this study aims to test an hypothesis in one area of New Testament Christology and to present conclusions regarding it. Since the question involves also the relationship of Judaism to the New Testament, this study also aspires to make a contribution to the ongoing task of methodically examining and carefully describing that relationship. Inasmuch as a major section of the study deals with the Epistle to the Hebrews, it also includes among its goals the attempt to add to the current discussion of the proper background and purpose of Hebrews.

As an historical and exegetical …

Covenant And Kingdom As Fulfilled In The Synoptics, Marvin Middendorf

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The first chapter of this paper will concern itself with the covenant concept in the Old Testament and related literature. The second chapter will take up the kingdom concept in the same material. In Chapter III the kingdom concept will be considered on the basis of the Synoptic Gospels. Chapter IV will concern itself with the covenant concept in the Synoptics. Finally, in Chapter V a comparison will be made between the two concepts. Similarities, differences, and unique features of each concept will be discussed.

A Critical And Exegetical Analysis Of Exodus Twenty-Four With Special Attention To Covenant Ratification, Peter Talia

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The discussion employed in this treatise, first, sets forth the original text of Exodus 24 in its original languages, in order to present the evidence for the traditional view and to test it by an examination of these languages. This rather fresh procedure has been done in order to put the case in its most favorable light, reduce the limits of uncertainty proportionally in favor of the traditional view and support the originality and integrity of the chapter in question. In this way the internal tests of the trustworthiness of these texts will be exhibited and the historic character of …

The Role Of Psalm 89:6-19 In Israel's Cult, Ronald Vahl

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The specific problem addressed by this study is, "What is the role of Psalm 89:6-19 in the corporate worship life of ancient Israel?” Throughout our research we will use the word "cult" to signify Israel’s corporate religious worship and ritual. This will provide a way of more sharply focusing our investigation.

Four additional questions are immediately raised by our initial query. Is it profitable to study Ps. 89:6-19 as an individual unit apart from the entire Psalm? Since the time of John Calvin many scholars have noted a special thematic nuance in verses 6-19 which stands apart from the remainder …

The Passion Predictions In The Light Of Hebrews 2:5-9, E Clark Copeland

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

There has, however, not been a serious tracing of the passage in Heb. 2:5-9 to Jesus' use of Son of Man in the predictions of His suffering. Nor, has there been a biblical theological development of the Son of Man concept from Psalm 8 through Psalm 80, Daniel 7, the teaching of Jesus, and on to its use in Hebrews. The present study would undertake this task in order to relate the findings to the “world to come" over which Jesus is enthroned, according toe. 2:5.

The view of Scripture guiding this study is that of the Reformers; namely, that …

A History Of The Research Of Exodus 18:1-12 With A Critical Evaluation And Suggestions For Further Progress, Andrew Chiu

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

In order to capture an over-all view of the research of Ex. 18:1-12, the study will proceed from a historical perspective, stating and critically evaluating in chronological order the theses of major scholars both for and against the Kenite hypothesis. Then the research will turn to a new dimension of the study of this pericope. Finally, the dissertation will present a critical scrutiny of the text itself. By way of textual criticism, literary criticism, form criticism, tradition criticism, redaction criticism, and historical analysis of the text, the study will make an attempt to search out what the text meant in …

The Return-To-Origins Motif In Pauline Theology And Its Significance For A Theological Interpretation Of Messianic And Millenarian Movements In Melanesia, John Gerhard Strelan

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The thrust of the present study is not that the return-to-origins motif dominates Pauline theology to the exclusion of all other themes. It is, however, suggested that such concepts as "the body," "image of God," "in Christ," and "the last Adam," should not be treated as unrelated concepts. They should rather be seen as parts of a larger whole. This larger whole is the return-to-origins motif. The frequent use which Paul makes of this particular motif to answer some of the basic questions of human existence is a measure of the important place which the return-to-origins motif occupied in the …