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A Study Of The Old Testament Quote In Matthew 27:9, 10, Curtis Giese

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Upon examining the Old Testament quotations in the Gospel of Matthew, one observes that their wording occasionally differs from that of the Hebrew Masoretic Text,(MT) the Septuagint (LXX), or any other known text. Matthew27:9, 10 is an especially striking example of this occurrence. Such deviation is immediately surprising because Jews and Christians contemporary to Matthew held the words of the Hebrew Old Testament, duly represented by the present Masoretic Text, in high esteem.' In addition, the Septuagint held a position at that time as a respected translation of the Hebrew.2 One questions, therefore, why the deviations exist in the Gospel …

A Comparative Study Of 'People' In The Old Testament And The Minjung Concept, Hyun Sup Um

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to find out whether or not the concept of עִס in the Old Testament is the same as it is used in Minjung theology. Therefore the first part of this thesis will deal with outside influences, such as secular theology, the theology of hope, liberation theology, process theology, and theology of history on Minjung theologians, specifically on these three: Jung Choon Kim, Hee Suh Moon, and Joon Suh Park. All three insist that the origin of Israel was the Habiru. Therefore the origin of עִס (Israel) in the Old Testament will also be treated. …

Luther's Summaries Of The Psalms (1531)--A Model For Contemporary Psalm Interpretation, Bruce Cameron

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Luther has left only one work in which he commented on all 150 psalms. The Summarien fiber die Psalmen of 1531 accompanied his extensive revision of the Psalter published that year and reflects his thinking after fifteen years of lecturing on, writing about, and translating the psalms. Some portions of this work--both suggestions for interpretation and details of translation--are untenable, or at least unfollowed. Many of his applications are dated, or at least unfashionable. The challenge for the contemporary Luther-minded interpreter of the psalms is to develop summaries and applications of the psalms for our time, using the principles Luther …

James 1:25 And 2:12: The Perfect Law Of Liberty And The Perfect Liberty Of The Christian, Paul Alliet

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

"The perfect law of liberty" is an expression which sounds strange. Even in secular use, a law is more often seen as a restriction of liberty than a guarantee of it, and theologically the problem seems as great if not greater.1This study is based on the belief that if James is allowed to speak on his own terms, he speaks as one who not only found the Law compatible with Christian liberty, but an essential part of it. This is particularly the case since St. James was one of the four half-brothers of our Lord mentioned in Matthew 13:55 and …

Leviticus 17:11 And The Theology Of Sacrifice, Robert Clancy

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It should be noted from the start that "objectivity” as it is commonly understood is not a goal of this thesis. The primary reason is that such objectivity is considered Tobe impossible. That is, if by "objectivity" one means that one reads and studies a text without presuppositions and without a hermeneutic, then one is striving after wind. No reader is a tabula rasa. All scholars read texts from within a given school of thought. Historical critics have certain presuppositions regarding texts, for instance, starting with the assumption that cultic material is late (post-exilic). Redaction critics assume the existence of …

The Promises Of Prosperity In The Old Testament An Exegetical And Theological Examination, Paul Naumann

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Certain factions among Fundamentalism, Pentecostalism, Neo-Pentecostalism, Millennialism, and media religion (or what is frequently termed the "Electronic Church") proclaim what amounts to a gospel of success and physical/material prosperity. It can be systematized into three main teachings, with some overlap. They are 1) divine healing or divine health (i.e. never getting sick to begin with) 2) positive confession (i.e. we have what we say or" claim") and finally 3) material prosperity. For our purposes we shall put these all together and refer to them generally as "Prosperity Theology" without drawing a distinction between bodily and material wellbeing.

A Study Of The Root Hesych- In The New Testament, John Armstrong

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this paradigmatic study is to compare and contrast hesychazein with similar terms such as sigan and siopan. To what extent are these words synonymous, and to what extent are they not? This is an example of the lexical field approach in which the meaning of a given word is not considered as an independent unit but as a component in the structure of a field of related words. Jost Trier, the pioneer of lexical field theory, has said that the value of a word is first known when it is marked off against the value of neighboring …

Aspects Of The Calendar Of The Hebrew Bible And Its Theological Significance, Charles Blanco

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of the thesis is twofold. We endeavor to provide the exegetical base for the understanding of the calendar used by God's4people in the Old Testament. There is, of course, a certain heuristic value to our topic for Old Testament studies at large. Beyond that, we find our study to be unique in its approach. Apart from the confessional position outlined above, we came to the texts without any preconceived notions about the nature, structure, and use of the Hebrew calendar. Conversely, the vast majority of works on the calendar are undertaken to prove a particular point of view. …

The Chrisitian Day Of Worship Gatherings- Its New Testament Practice And Theological Basis, David Fielding

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This paper presents an antidote to sabbatarianism, namely the New Testament teaching of Christ as the fulfillment of the sabbath. A corollary to this idea is the matter of Christian freedom regarding the day for worship. The principle of Christian liberty in such matters is neglected by legalistic sabbatarians. It needs to be said that Christ did not directly abolish the sabbath. He fulfilled it. Observance of a particular day is not satisfactory in the Christiane era, as this study demonstrates.

The Holiness Of Yahweh In Conflict With The Holiness Of Baal Vis-À-Vis Mount Zion And Mount Zaphon, Reed Lessing

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to define the holiness of Yahweh and the holiness of Baal as they are related to physical, tangible mountains. Qds is25 a holistic idea, which includes both physical and spiritual aspects Brevard Childs sums up this thesis with these words: The Old Testament understanding of space was eschatological, not mythical. It looked to the future, not to the past. However, it chose a mythical category to express the tensions within this new spatial reality. The new space had as its content God's holiness, but it was formed in the midst of a profane and …

Paul's Portrayal Of Judaism: St. Paul's Critique Of Judaism In Romans 3:19-31 And Evidence From Judaism Which Validates His Assessment, Michael Middendorf

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis will address the current debate over whether St. Paul is being fair and accurate in his appraisal of first-century Judaism's teaching on the doctrine of justification. The Apostle is currently being accused of making an unfair caricature of Judaism, especially in regard to its conception of how a righteous standing before God could be attained.1 This first chapter will serve to document these accusations, to lay out the issues and arguments involved in this debate, and then to assess its significance.

An Examination Of ΕαββατισμóΣ And ΚατáΠανσις In Hebrews 3:7-4:13 In Light Of Their Old Testament Background, Richard P. Belcher Jr.

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This paper will attempt to investigate and further define the two ideas of rest in Hebrews 3:7-4:13.

The Covenantal Significance Of Remembrance As It Is Used In Luke 22:19, Mark Steiner

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Remembrance, depending upon its subjects and objects, can have condemnatory as well as salvific ramifications. Secondly, there is not total agreement on who the subject of remembrance is in the Words of Institution. For some, God was intended to be the subject of the remembering rather than the disciples. The strengths and weaknesses of this position will be weighed.

Finally, a concluding word is in order. The purpose of this study is to present evidence which would support the thesis that remembrance does indeed have covenantal significance. Consequently, if the word has covenantal significance, then more attention must be paid …

The Use And Implications Of Makarios In The New Testament, Young Kim

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

An exegetical study has been adopted by this writer as the most pertinent methodology for the subject. The study begins with the study of the Old Testament passages which contain the term אְּשרי which is the Old Testament counterpart of Makáeios. The study examines these of the term in the Old Testament Apocrypha and the Greek classics. The study goes on to investigate the use and implications of Makáeios in the New Testament according to writer by writer.

A Study Of Isaiah's Use Of Kabod, David Worcester

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to discover the theological significance of the word פָבוֹ ד as used in the Book of Isaiah. פָבוֹ ד , most often translated into English as "glory," is a term which encompasses such meanings as honor, fame, wealth, reputation, brightness, brilliance or splendor, and, when used in reference to God, heavenly brilliance, sublimity or magnificence.) Throughout Isaiah, the term פָבוֹ ד is utilized frequently, with reference to God, as well as to men and nations. It is the thesis of this study that, as the term is used throughout Isaiah, the term- פָבוֹ דbecomes …

Between Superstition And Skepticism: A Study Of The First-Century Worldview Of The Miraculous, Mark Schuler

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In response, it is not the intent of the following to address the philosophic skepticism so prevalent in modern biblical scholarship. Rather, the assumption which links such skepticism to the results of Formgeschichte will be called into question, namely, the assumption that the worldview of the first century was superstitious. One may legitimately ask whether the worldview of the first century was so enamored of the miraculous that a literary product of that time would of necessity produce miraculous deeds in praise of its hero and attribute them to him. To that

The Biblical Witness Regarding The Person And Work Of The Holy Spirit, Craig Molitoris

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The goal of this study is to better understand the Biblical witness regarding the person and work of the Holy Spirit. There is an urgent need for such a study. Almost twenty-five years ago, Dr. Lorenz Wunderlich wrote a book about the Holy Spirit entitled, The Half-Known God. The title is, unfortunately, still appropriate today. It is the intention of this study to enable the researcher to better know this "Half-Known" God and to better make Him known tithe Church.

Hermeneutical Perspectives Of Biblical Typology, Deomar Roos

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The presentation and development of the argumentation of this thesis follow a simple, logical and somewhat natural and progressive flow. The preliminary considerations of Chapter One go over a brief survey of the history of typological interpretation, focus on the notion of sensus plenior, and summarize the basic approaches to typology. Chapter Two delineates the necessary distinction between typology and allegory. The typology of the Old Testament, its terminology and hermeneutical implications, is discussed in Chapter Three. Chapter Four has the same topics but relates to the New Testament area. And all the emergent hermeneutical perspectives raised by the discussion …

The Consummation Of The Exodus: A Study Of The Exodus Motif In The Revelation, Philip S. Haugen

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The study of the Exodus motif grew out of the author's curiosity concerning the clear reference to the Exodus in Revelation 15:3. The question which arose concerned the extent to which the Exodus motif is used in the Apocalypse, and its significance. Therefore, the purpose o this study is to examine and demonstrate the use of the Exodus motif in the Revelation.

The study will commence with a discussion in chapter one of typology and the unity of Scripture. Because the Exodus is a major source of Old Testament types, an attempt will be made in chapter one to illustrate …

The Use Of The Hebrew Term Kbd And Its Significance For The Incarnation, Lee A. Maxwell

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The topic which was originally approved for my thesis was "The Incarnational Theme in the Old Testament, Especially its Explication through the Term kābōd." During the course of my research, especially in my investigation of the root kbd, I concluded that the original designation of the topic was not the best way in which to formulate and thereby to describe my research and its results. Accordingly, I submit the following title as a more accurate reflection of my thesis: "The Use of the Hebrew Term kbd and Its Significance for the Incarnation"

With that restatement of the topic in mind, …

Marriage, Divorce And Remarriage An Interpretation Of Matthew 19:3-12 In The Context Of Old & New Testament And Judaica, Lane Burgland

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of£ this study is to examine the principal text (Matthew 19:3-12) in its historical context and in light of the rest of Scripture and draw conclusions appropriate to a Lutheran pastoral setting.

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.

Divorce And Remarriage In 1 Corinthians 7_10-16- An Evaluation Of The Interpretation Of Writers Of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Jerald Joersz

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this thesis is to re-examine 1 Cor. 7:10-16, on the basis of which desertio malitiosa has been regarded as a second "ground" for divorce, with the liberty of remarriage. Our intention is to address the question at the level suggested by the second of the above two approaches to the interpretation of the divorce and remarriage texts, and to inquire whether in fact the traditional position regarding malicious desertion as articulated by theologians of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod LCMS) can be substantiated by a valid exegesis of the text.9 With the Biblical text as our norm, we …

John's Use Of The Absolute Εγω Eimi As A Reflection Of The Theology Of The Prologue To The Fourth Gospel, John Upton

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The investigation will center on John's intended meaning of έγω είμι as the phrase relates to the unique Prologue which prefaces the Fourth Gospel. It is hoped that, in approaching the Prologue as the thematic key to the Gospel, it will provide guidance in ascertaining the relative purpose of the έγω είμιs as they reflect the purpose of the Gospel as a whole; the Prologue should provide a direction for drawing some conclusions as to John's intent in the use of this phrase.

A Study Of Recent Research On The Concept Of Holy War In The Old Testament, Brian Truog

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The main purpose of this thesis is to gain a general overview of recent scholarship in the area of Holy War in the Old Testament. Holy War is a "problem" for the Christian for at least two reasons. First, the concept of holy War in the Old Testament is often a major point used in stressing the discontinuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Contrasts are set up between the Old Testament as a book of Law and the New Testament as a book of Gospel. The Old Testament is seen as containing a primitive form of religion …

Deus Absens-An Old Testament Judgment Motif, David Adams

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to show that not only was the Deus Absens, the Absent God, an important part of Old Testament thought, but also that this motif was used by the various authors of the Old Testament as one means to express the judgment of God. This is not to say that every text in which God's absence is referred to must be understood as a judgment text. In some cases God's Absence is to be attributed to His transcendent nature rather than to His judgment. This is particularly true of the many passages in the Psalms …

‘Righteousness’ And ‘Peace’ In The Pauline Epistles And Ecumenical Missiology, Gregory John Lockwood

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

'Eirene' cannot be fully understood in isolation from the concept with which it is frequently associated, 'dikaiosyne' (for example, Romans 5:1, 14:17; Hebrews 7:2). 'Justification' was the theme for a retreat of Australian missionaries held at Wau, Papua New Guinea, in 1980 - the 400th anniversary of the Book of Concord. Through participation in this retreat I was stimulated to take a greater interest in the 'articulus .stantis et .cadentis ecclesiae' and its continuing significance for mission theology. Accordingly a major part of this paper will be devoted to a study of 'dikaiosyne.'

"Jesus And Japan" In The Thought Of Kanzo Uchimura: A Study In A Theological Interpretation For The Indigenization Of Christianity In Modern Japan, Akio Hashimoto

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The reason for our choosing salvation as the central topic of this study is to be found in the fact that a theologian's concept of salvation, whatever it might be, is in the last analysis the surest index to what he regards as the ultimate issue of the Gospel. Then, it goes without saying that·the other aspects of Uchimura's theological thought will be taken into consideration as far as they have bearing on our attempt to understand Uchimura's soteriology.

Nehushtan And Serpent Symbolism In The Ancient Near East, James Bollhagen

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In Numbers 21:4-9 the story is told of how Yahweh punished the Israelites by sending "fiery serpents" into their midst. After hearing the people's confession, Yahweh provided the means of healing in the form of the Bronze Serpent. This serpent was not heard of again until the time of Hezekiah, over five-hundred years later. It was destroyed as part of Hezekiah's reform, where it was designated as Nehushtan. What happened to the Bronze Serpent in the interim? And what was the theme of Nehushtan worship? This paper will endeavor to shed light on these questions by surveying the use of …

A Study Of The Rhetorical And Thematic Structure Of The So-Called "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17- 26) In Order To Evaluate Unity And Authenticity, Roger Cotton

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

My purpose is not to disprove the critic3,1 assumptions, methods, or theories~, but to do a fresh, straightforward, and thorough literary .analysis of the canonical text of Leviticus 17- 26 o I want to investigate the rhetorical and thematic ·structural aspects of the text and consider how these affect the interpretation of its meaning. 7 I want to determine what organization, what structure, what unity and purpose, if any, there are in Leviticus 17-26, and if it is authentic to Leviticus as a whole.