Description of Emphasis
The New Testament emphasis is designed to prepare students for a variety of church, parachurch, or academic ministries through additional studies in exegesis and other New Testament disciplines, such as textual criticism, lexical and literary analysis, use of interpretive tools, exegetical problem‐ solving, New Testament introduction, grammar, and syntax.
Overall Reflection
For my competence in New Testament Studies, I am submitting a number of papers from Romans and NT electives which demonstrate my ability in exegesis and creative approach to the NT learned within this emphasis. Throughout my time in NT Studies, I have learned the method of taking a paragraph of text, studying it within its context while noticing its intricacies, and then explain it at the level of my intended audience. On this page you will see different genres from the Bible: epistolary and narrative. Each genre challenged my approach and made me a more conscientious exegete. Please enjoy.
Learning Reflection
As I developed and demonstrated my ability in the exegesis of NT passages, I learned several things. First, I learned that my training increased my discernment concerning the arguments of the commentators I read for my papers. In other words, I learned when commentators were making strong and weak points. No longer was I reading for “interesting thoughts,” I was reading as a scholar evaluating the work under-girding the interesting thoughts. With this ability must come humility. In addition to this, I learned to trust God and his word more. The Scriptures are absolutely beautiful and have a depth that is unparalleled with any other literature. I encourage people to trust their Bible more now than ever.
Lifelong Development
As a result of the experiences documented by these artifacts, I will continue to develop in exegesis by: (1) continuing my studies in the NT — eventually I will begin PhD studies in NT; (2) refining my skills in grammatical, syntactical, and interpretive validation — the hardest part of NT exegesis is proving why you hold a particular reading above others; (3) bringing in more consideration of the practical application or ethical application of the Scriptures — to exegete a passage neatly while ignoring how the passages may or may not speak to the Church or culture is mistaken exegesis (in my opinion).
Artifacts
NT 105 ROMANS
Theology Paper
Description: This paper is a theological reflection on the “co” or “with” words clustered throughout Romans. I was required to submit this paper to the portfolio. I do not think this paper presents my best self-understanding. I do not believe that theology is done independent of exegesis as this paper sort of required. We bring theological presuppositions to the text whether we acknowledge this or not, and our conclusions in exegesis have a direct impact on an individual and a community’s theological understanding.
2nd Exegetical
Description: This paper is an exegetical on Romans 15. I did very well on this assignment and it was very encouraging to get strong feedback from Dr. Wallace who is very intimidating. Very! So this is one of the papers that affirmed my pursuit of NT doctoral studies.
NT320 GOSPEL OF LUKE
Exegetical Paper
Description: This is an exegetical on the parable of the barren fig tree. I had never exegeted a parable and never had to deal with narrative. So this was exiting and very challenging. One part I particularly love about Dr. Bock’s class on Luke is that he challenges the student to move from exegesis to sermon. Therefore, half of the document is an exegetical, and the other half is a detailed outline for a sermon (with a complete introduction and conclusion). It was great to be reminded that exegesis is not an end in itself, but that the end of exegesis is communication to God’s people.
NT 335 THE BOOK OF 1 CORINTHIANS
Exegetical Paper
Description: This was the first exegetical I completed outside the required NT courses. I was surprised by how much fun it was when you did not fear death! Dr. Jay Smith was really good at bringing home the meat of 1 Corinthians and challenging students to take the task of exposition seriously. Dr. Jay also took the time to meet with each student independently about the exegetical we turned in. I was strongly encouraged by this meeting and have continued in the path of NT studies largely because of him, his encouraging words, and his example.
NT 205 ADVANCED GREEK GRAMMAR
Description: This is a paper on whether the double negative retained its classical emphasis in the writings of the Apostolic Fathers by examining every use of it. If so, this study has the opportunity to shed light on New Testament author’s use of the double negative and weigh in on an issue largely thought to be settled in current NT studies.
OU MH in the Apostolic Fathers
RS102 PAPER
Description: The purpose of this paper is to begin the process of assembling an evangelical framework for thinking, behaving, and engaging the culture as Christians; much like the one Richard Hayes published years ago (Moral Vision of the New Testament) because the current state of ethical reflection among American Evangelicals from the pulpit to the pew is enervate.
jesus thirst 