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Exegetical Theology
400 LEVEL COURSES
Required Course

EXT   410 MAJOR PROPHETS
After an introduction to Old Testament prophetic literature, portions of the Hebrew text of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel will be studied with attention to how these prophets bear witness of the Messiah and His kingdom. The relationship of this prophetic literature to Christ and the Church as expressed in the New Testament will be highlighted. Commentaries, sermons, liturgies and hymnody from the history of the church that engage these prophets will also be considered. Integration of prophetic literature into the life of the church today will be accented. 4 credits. Notes 9, 10, 11, and 12.

EXT   411 PSALMS
The liturgical life of the church and the devotional life of her pastors have been shaped and influenced by the Psalter. This course approaches the study of the Psalter from an inter-disciplinary perspective by incorporating both exegetical and pastoral ministry concerns. Selected Psalms will be closely examined on the basis of the Hebrew text with specific attention not only to their grammatical issues but also to their theological content. The Psalms will also be examined as rich resources for the worshiping community and for the spiritual formation of ministers of the Word and Sacraments. Notes 9, 10, 11, and 12.

EXT   412 GOSPELS III
As a continuation of the focus on the centrality of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ begun in Gospels I and II, major portions of the Greek text of the Gospel of John and the First Epistle of John will be studied. Special attention will be given to teaching that is unique from the Synoptic Gospels, such as the Pre-existence and Incarnation of the Son, Christ as the Lamb of God, the Father-Son Relationship, the Divine Name of Jesus, the “I Am” Sayings, the Holy Spirit/Paraclete, the Sacraments and the Office of the Keys. This will serve as the capstone course in the formation of faithful preaching and teaching of the Gospels for the life of the church. Notes 6, 7, and 8.

 

Elective Courses

EXT E500   BIBLICAL ARAMAIC
A study of the grammar and vocabulary of biblical Aramaic, comparing it with biblical Hebrew, based on Daniel and Ezra.

EXT E501   ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE BIBLE
A historical survey of archaeological work in the Bible lands, with particular attention to the cultural and religious life of the Israelite and non-Israelite populations in Palestine. Method of archaeological research and interpretation of findings are studied, not only for apologetical purposes, but especially for the exegetical study of Holy Writ.

EXT E502   BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MISSIONS
This course is one part of a four-course emphasis on missions. The mission of the Triune God is a persistent theme in the Old and New Testaments. Key passages and themes will be covered to illustrate how God transmitted His mission to humanity in many diverse ways, particularly during the period of the nation of Israel, the person and work of Christ, and the early apostolic church.

EXT E506   UGARITIC
A study in Ugaritic grammar. Similarities with Hebrew and other Semitic languages are observed. Selections from Ugaritic texts are read. The usefulness of Ugaritic in Old Testament studies is noted.

EXT E523   OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY
A systematic survey of the major theological themes of the Old Testament accomplished through the examination of key Hebrew terms and pericopes. The course will build an appreciation for the unity of the testaments and the rich theological background of the New Testament.

EXT E531   I AND II CHRONICLES
An exegetical study of selected texts from I and II Chronicles, on the basis of the Masoretic Text, with particular attention to the christological content of the books. The relationship of the Chronicler’s work to Ezra/Nehemiah and Samuel/Kings will be explained in detail.

EXT E538   ACTS
This course will study the Greek text of the Acts of the Apostles as Luke’s continuation of the history of Christ begun in his Gospel. Special attention will be given to the movement of Christianity from Jewish Jerusalem to Gentile Rome with focus on the actions of the Apostles Peter and Paul. The preaching of the early Christians, the mission activity of the church in the face of adversity, and the work of the Holy Spirit will all be given special attention.

EXT E543   HAGGAI-MALACHI
An exegetical study of these two books in their entirety. The post-exilic historical setting is examined. Attention is paid to structure, style and the use of both in the New Testament. Law and Gospel aspects are stressed. Emphasis is given to how these books speak to the Church today.

EXT E546   MESSIANIC PROPHECIES
An exegetical study in chronological sequence of selected Messianic prophecies (outside the books of Genesis, Isaiah and Psalms) within the context of the Christology of the Old Testament as a whole.

EXT E554   JOB
Study of the context, structure and meaning of the Book of Job with emphasis on certain themes, such as God vs. Satan, the resurrection, and suffering in the life of the child of God.

EXT E555   ECCLESIASTES
An examination of the book of Ecclesiastes in the original language. The course will examine authorship, the book’s place in the larger field of biblical wisdom, and theological application to the modern world.

EXT E556   DANIEL
An exegetical study of the Book of Daniel, special attention being given to Messianic prophecy, the nature of apocalyptic literature, and the use of Daniel in contemporary millennialism. Chapters 1:1-2:3 and 8-12 are studied on the basis of the Hebrew text; chapters 2:4-7:28 are studied on the basis of the Aramaic text or an English version depending upon the qualifications of the individual student.

EXT E580   MATTHEW-ESCHATOLOGY
Attention is given to the eschatological conclusions at the end of each of the Five Discourses in the Gospel of Matthew. Also receiving careful study are the apocalyptic sections in the narratives of the Transfiguration, Crucifixion and Resurrection.

EXT E583   I CORINTHIANS
Various chapters of the Epistle in the Greek are treated exegetically. Paul’s firm, effective, evangelical, pastoral method in dealing with numerous problems that have arisen in the congregation— factionalism, immorality, a case of incest, litigation among Christians, the giving of offense, unworthy reception of the Lord’s Supper, incorrect understanding of spiritual gifts, doctrinal abberations, and so on—is noted. Application to contemporary church life is made.

EXT E585   PASTORAL EPISTLES
Interpretation of the Pastoral Epistles using the Greek text. Emphasis on Timothy with selected portions from Titus and II Timothy. Special attention to the exegetical problems of the Pastorals.

EXT E590   REVELATION
The 22 chapters of this last book of the New Testament are studied on the basis of the Greek text. A sane, Lutheran interpretation of the apocalyptic visions pertaining to the continuous reign and triumph of the tremendous, glorified Christ—triumph absolute at the end of the world—is provided. The Christian view of history as set forth in the Apocalypse, and the latter’s strengthening message that faith triumphs over all opposing marshalled worldly might are emphasized. Numerous ancient and modern extravagant interpretations of the divine revelation this book records are viewed.

EXT E495   INDEPENDENT STUDY
When students wish to fulfill a special need, they may request an independent study course through the department chairman. This is not available to Sem I or Sem II students.

EXT E499   EDUCATIONAL TOURS
Students travel with the instructor to visit sites that are important for the history, theology and growth of the Church. As time and opportunity permit, the instructor will enrich the class by lecturing and leading discussions. Besides visiting the locations, students are expected to complete assigned readings as well as other pertinent oral and written assignments.

 
 
© 2008 Concordia Theological Seminary. All rights reserved.
For more information about the Department of Exegetical Theology,
please contact Dr. Charles A. Gieschen at gieschenca@ctsfw.edu
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