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A Narrative Critical Approach To The Gospel Of Peter With A Focus On Its Christology, Roberto Bustamante

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

The interest of our work is the Christology of the apocryphal literature. However, the limits imposed by a seminar paper force us to narrow our focus rather strongly. We will attempt to define the Christology of a single apocryphal Gospel, by applying narrative criticism. We consider that the fact that the text came to us in a narrative form implies a particular way of uttering its Christology and asks for a treatment adequate to its literary form. There are both reasons and reservations with respect to this method's appropriateness.

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 Angel Of Revelation -An Angel Of God And An Icon Of Jesus Christ, Louis Brighton

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

The purpose of the dissertation is to determine who the angel is through an examination of his appearance and role and by analyzing his relationship to God and Christ. A search and review of possible sources were made to determine whether such literary aids could help in interpreting the appearance and role of the angel. The relationship of the angel and Christ was also compared and analyzed to discover why the author of Revelation has and uses such an angel.

Significant Exegetical Aspects Of The Sadducees' Question To Jesus Regarding The Resurrection, Wilfred Karsten

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this investigation, therefore, is to take a closer look at the pericope as presented by the Synoptic writers, in order to ascertain if these disparaging comments (and others like them) are warranted. In essence, this thesis is a defense of the view which holds that Jesus' answer to the Sadducees' question was a direct and explicit proof of the resurrection of the dead.

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 …

The Cosmic Powers In Paul’S Theology, Ebong Sam Ukpong

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis deals with neither the meaning of the terms nor with the exegesis of the passages in which these terms are found. Nor shall we attempt to re-interpret or relate what Paul said about "cosmic powers" to the modern thought-forms. The purpose of this work is rather to examine, first of all, the terms employed by Paul to describe the forces of evil in the light of his own Jewish background. We shall not be concerned so much with the question: What does Paul mean? as with the query: Where did Paul get the terms and ideas for what …

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 …

The Motive For The Christian Life According To The Epistle Of James, Paul H. Dorn

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study of the epistle of James arose out of a pastoral concern that members of the Christian community live their Christian discipleship. James is marked by its vigorous concern for Christians living a godly life; at the same time it raises a problem. The problem is that there is no motive immediately evident with which James encourages its readers to godly living--certainly nothing as evident as "by the mercies of God" (Rom. 12:1) or "if God so loved us" (1 John 4:11). The purpose of this study is to discover what the epistle's motive for Christian living is.

[Mythoi (Romanized Form)] And [Genealogiai (Romanized Form)] In The Pastoral Epistles : A Reappraisal, Dale Banke

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper is a tentative reappraisal of the nature of the μυ̑θοι and δενεαλοδίαι as these reflect a portion of the heresy combatted in the Pastorals. It is not intended to be an investigation of the entire heresy, much less the complete gamut of exhortation which the Epistles contain. This might appear to pose a false separation, since the wider contexts of the passages that include mention of the μυ̑θοι and δενεαλοδίαι seem to draw in much of the polemic and even some of the advice concerning early church order contained in these letters. Nonetheless, only those aspects of the …

Community Discipline: Saint Paul And Qumran: An Exegetical Study Of Paul's Principles Of Church Discipline Based On An Investigation Of Qumran And Such Pauline Materials As Relate To First Corinthians 5:1-5, Harold Louis Kitzmann

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Discipline problems arose early in the church. A case of flagrant immorality at Corinth prompted Pau1 to counsel the congregation there to meet in solemn assembly and to “excommunicate” the offender. The purpose of this study is to examine the subject of discipline as treated in Paul’s letters, particularly the instance related in 1 Cor. 5:1-5, against the background of Qumran. It is an attempt to establish the New Testament principles governing the church in its internal relations as the fellowship or community of God's "called out people" as compared with practices described in the Dead Sea Scrolls. On the …

Apostolicity As A Church Response To Gnosticism In Irenaeus, Gook Han Bai

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis is based on the praise that both Irenaeus and the Gnostics regarded Christian teachings and practices as Apostolic tradition. Irenaeus regarded Christian teachings and practices as Apostolic tradition, and, accordingly, appealed to the authority or the Apostles in defending the Christian faith. Apostolic tradition, for Irenaeus, must be guaranteed and safeguarded by the unbroken historical. succession from one generation to the next. Irenaeus laid much emphasis on the importance of the Apostles in Christian teachings and practices. However, the Apostles without successors are practically meaningless to him. The concept of being "in the church" also played an important …

The Eschatological Significance Of Paul's Collection For Jerusalem, David Young

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Paul's collection has always been looked upon for its functional value. It relieved the needs of the Jerusalem poor, and it was an ecumenical venture embracing Jews and Gentiles. Other minor functional explanations have been suggested. Such explanations usually treat the collection as a small event in the history of the early church.

The scope of our investigation is devoted to the eschatological significance Paul attached to the project. Paul's understanding of the end-time seems to provide the only explanation that can justify the time and effort being spent on this matter. Our inquiry may be formulated as follows:

The …

The Literary Background Of The Epistile Of Jude, Trenton Ferro

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This writer felt that this study was necessary and worthwhile for two reasons. First, he desired to reach some reasonable conclusion for the problem stated above on the basis of an objective scrutiny of the material, influenced neither by ·preconceived conclusions about the problem nor by emotional concerns which would have, and often have, answered the question without a fair study. This latter concern arises from the fact that many commentators have argued against Jude's use of apocryphal literature on the basis of their view of inspiration, revelation, and canonicity rather than on the basis of an objective handling of …

The Ministry During The Period From Saint Clement Of Rome To Saint Cyprian Of Carthage, James Fackler

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is the intention of this writer to present a systematic consideration or the concept or the ministry from documents or the Christian Church outside the New Testament to the middle or the third century. To do this it will be necessary to take into consideration the historical development of thought through the period. History, or tradition, will present vignettes with which this writer intends to give you, the reader, a concept of the ministry from St. Clement or Rome to St. Cyprian of Carthage.

The Foolishness Of Christ Crucified Viewed From The Point Of Incipient Gnosticism At Corinth, William Goerss

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The thesis of this paper is that at Corinth Paul did take over some of the thought patterns and vocabulary of an incipient Gnosticism with Judaic overtones. But instead of being influenced theologically by the borrowed terms, he used them for his consistent preaching of the crucified Savior, the true Wisdom of God. He was well aware of the uniqueness of the religion he preached; its real source lay not in the current thought forms of either Judaism or Hellenism, but in the Person, 'Preaching and redemptive work of the crucified Son of God.

A Comparison Of The Ethics Of The Qumran Scrolls And The Epistle Of James, Warren Schmidt

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

There are several reasons why one would expect to find similarities to the Scrolls in James. The latter is clearly a Palestinian document written for Jewish readers. It is probably the earliest of the New Testament books written during the formative years of the church. This is a time when the church would be more open to outside influences in matters such as organization and polity. The early dating of James has been accepted by many scholars since the study of Gerhard Kittel, who dates it in the fourth decade of the first century, immediately before Paul's first missionary journey.

The Messiah Of The Old Testament Jew, Eugene Kauffeld

Bachelor of Divinity

The question remains, if Simeon had such a faith, and the Greek or the New Testament indicates he did, where did he get such a clear picture of Christ, and God's plan of salvation? The main source of his faith was found in the Old Testament, sacred writings considered by the faithful Jews of his time to be the Scriptures wherein God had revealed His salvation to men. He had searched and found, he had thirsted for the water of life; and he had found the eternal fountain of God's mercy and grace to a sinful and fallen mankind.

The Theology Of The Wisdom Of Solomon, Walter Rast

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

We are justified in supposing that for a Jew, living in Egypt and yet preserving the foundation of his religious heritage, this problem was poignant indeed. And, at the risk of oversimplification, our writer's personal confrontation with Hellenism would seem to be his chief problem, and the problem at the bottom of our own quest into The Wisdom of Solomon. As an outgrowth of this problem, it would seem that the question underlying our concern with The·Book of Wisdom would be: How does this writing compare theologically with those which hold a safe place in the canon?

The Synagogue And Its Influences, Daniel Brockhoff

Bachelor of Divinity

“Was the synagogue greatly influenced by the surrounding cultures in which it existed, and was the synagogue influential to any extent upon the surroundings in which it existed'?" The purpose of this thesis is to give some directives in order that a correct and factual answer might be obtained to those questions.

The Synagogue As The Center Of The Sabbath Worship At The Time Of Christ, Gerald B. Wunrow

Bachelor of Divinity

The question which the writer has posed and has endeavored in some degree to answer in this study is: What was the synagogue like as a house of worship at the time of Christ? By way of shedding light on this question the study includes a brief survey of the origin and historica1 development of the synagogue, an examination of synagogue architecture in the early centuries of the common era, and a study of the Sabbath worship service as it probably took place at the time of Christ. The writer is fully aware that for want of exact historical and …

The Reward Concept In The Synoptic Gospels, Robert Mayer

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study intends to show the grace of God as it is manifested in the generous, giving, rewarding God. The Gospel message is to be studied and considered in the terms of the giving God.

A Survey Of Judeo-Roman Relations, 162-4 B.C.A Survey Of Judeo-Roman Relations, 162-4 B.C., Paul L. Maier

Bachelor of Divinity

In view of the nature of the sources, this study has been placed more in the context of Jewish than Roman history. .Judean domestic issues and eastern politics have been introduced only as a framework, however, in which to present the survey of Judeo-Roman relations.

Slightly more emphasis has been placed on the earlier period, 162 to 63 B. C., because less information is available on this epoch in contrast to the scholarship which has been directed toward the careers of' Herod and of his father.

The Concept Of Faith And Hebrews 11:1, John R. Nielsen

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of the writer, as he began this study, to determine upon the basis of 11:1 what the concept of faith according to Hebrews actually is. However, upon a study of the Epistle itself, we have come to the conclusion that this verse neither defines nor describes faith. Rather it sets forth the only way in which it is possible to have a firm foundation for hope. It makes the assertion that it is by faith that one can have a basis and foundation for eschatological blessings, and certainty in the unseen spiritual realm.

An Interpretation Of The First Three Petitions Of The Lord's Prayer, Edgar Krentz

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper will attempt to examine the originality of the Lord's Prayer. To do this the following method will be used. The study is based on the first three petitions. Each petition will be examined in order. The concept underlying each petition will be studied. The study will attempt to determine what this concept meant to the Jew of Jesus' day, what it meant in the Old Testament, and what the New Testament teaching on the subject is. Then the pertinent parallels which have been found will be examined. Following this the three petitions will be examined in their interrelation …

The Life And Work Of Ezra, Paul A. Vojtko

Bachelor of Divinity

Ezra was one of the great men of Jewish history. It has been said, and rightly so, that with Ezra, one stands at the cradle of Judaism. In Jewish tradition he figures as a second Moses. He wielded a tremendous influence upon the Jewish nation, the effects of which are felt to this very day. He set an indelible mark upon succeeding ages. He was largely responsible for the course Judaism took after the exilic period. Through his untiring efforts the law which was originally given by Moses, but much since that time had been neglected, was restored to the …

The Theme Of Ecclesiastes, Frederick W. Danker

Bachelor of Divinity

A brief survey of the critical methods employed by interpreters of the book of Ecclesiastes from the time of the compilers of the Midrashim down to the present day reveals that theological orientation and intellectual disciplines have largely determined the evaluation and interpretation of the book either in its parts or as a whole.

The Development Of The Character Of The Jew From The Babylonian Captivity To The New Testament Era, Robert Trautmann

Bachelor of Divinity

This· paper is to trace the history of the Jewish nation from the Babylonian Captivity to the New Testament Era, noting those factors which influenced the Jewish life to the extent that they became a part of the Jewish character.

Paul's Process Of Preaching The Gospel To The Gentiles, Otto C. Hintze Jr

Bachelor of Divinity

This thesis will be concerned with the spoken or preached Gospel in contrast to the other ways of presenting the Gospel.

Saint Paul's Use Of The Old Testament In Romans, Harold Elmer Heinlein

Bachelor of Divinity

This thesis designs to consider some of Paul's quotations in an analysis according to letter and content. · For purposes of limitation I have singled out the book of Romans as a representative section of Paul's writings - partly because of the great importance attached to that book; mostly because of the great wealth of quotations which he uses in that book, exceeding in number (by proportionate size of the books) even those found in the Gospel according to St. Matthew.

The Formative Years Of Paul, Victor Harold Zwintscher

Bachelor of Divinity

The aim the purpose of this paper will be to describe briefly the conditions and activities which influenced the Apostle Paul, during his formative years, in the preparation for becoming an ambassador of Jesus Christ. Since the actual historic facts concerning this period of the apostle's life are extremely limited, there is almost endless room for conjecture. However, in the absence of facts, the conjecture in this paper will be limited to the most logical and psychological possibilities.