Tools Based Bible Study

“Walk with the wise and become wise.” (Proverbs 13:20) Tools Based Bible Study introduces students to a variety of tools used by interpreters of scripture. In this course students will learn to interact with the original languages of scripture. Students will learn how to maximize use of study Bibles, commentaries, textual apparatus, electronic resources and concordances.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY:

The biblical world is both familiar and distant from the student’s present context. Teaching the Bible requires that one depend upon the research of others. One can be overwhelmed by the variety of resources available to help interpret scripture. In this course, students will develop skills to more effectively make use of scholarship to interpret the Bible for the church. Through this introduction to these various tools students will be able to efficiently develop and utilize a library of resources to better interpret scripture for the church.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

This course meets a core curriculum requirement for the Graduate Certificate in Trauma and Healing Ministry, can satisfy the Leadership Practicum of the Master of Christian Leadership (MCL) in consultation with the MCL advisor, and can be an elective for the MCL and Graduate Certificate in Christian Leadership.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Through the successful completion of this course a student will be able to:

  • Read basic words in Greek and Hebrew 1.1.1, 1.5.2.

  • Evaluate the contributions of various study Bibles 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2.2, 1.4.1, 1.5.3.

  • Understand the grammatical helps provided in various commentaries 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.5.3.

  • Understand the basic textual critical apparatus 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2.2.

  • Utilize various cross-referencing resources 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.5.3.

  • Utilize interlinear resources 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.5.3.

COURSE FORMAT:

This course will meet weekly. This course will be a hybrid of lecture and discussion. A significant portion of the weekly instruction will involve active interaction with the various tools being introduced. Online Only for Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania residents.

REQUIRED READING:

TBD

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  • Attendance and Class Participation 10%

  • Reading of required materials and weekly written exegetical work 50%

  • 1 Sermon Manuscript 20%

  • 1 Final Exam 20%

PREREQUISITES:

Spiritual Formation

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

This course meets a core curriculum requirement for all Leland master's degrees and graduate certificates

GRADING SCALE:

according to Leland Student Catalog.

This extended course description is a reliable guide but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.