Introduction to Studying the Bible Course Syllabus

DSSM 1A: Becoming A Modern Berean: Introduction to Studying the Bible

Course Syllabus

Dunamis School of Supernatural Ministry 5310 Prosperity Lane San Diego, CA 92115

Course Description and Introduction:

This course explores various approaches to studying the Bible, which includes Word studies, examination of Hebrew (Hebrew Roots, culture, and practices), Aramaic, and Greek, Inductive and Deductive approaches, hermeneutics (archetypal studies, metaphor and analogy, parables, progressive revelation), and other various approaches. The expectation of this course is that as a Berean, the study will accomplish three major outcomes: (1) develop a greater appreciate for and intimacy with God’s Word; (2) be primed to approach the Bible analytically and comprehensively through active reading and investigation; and ultimately (3) become a modern Berean. Course content and additional resources are accessible at: http://www.jesus24-7.org/training_and_courses.html

3 Credits This course is not accredited with the State of California or any other State accreditation board; however, this course will count towards 3 credits of coursework for the Dunamis School of Supernatural Ministry.

Required Texts and Materials:

1. Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – NASB Version 2. Complete Jewish Bible by David H. Stern 3. Hebrew Word Pictures: How Does the Hebrew Alphabet Reveal Prophetic Truths? (Phoenix: Living Word Pictures) by Frank T. Seekins (Make sure when you are ordering this book that it comes with the CD. Even if the book indicates there is a cd, be sure to check with the vendor. If they are try to sell it to you without the CD, don’t buy from that vendor.) 4. Knowing Scripture by RC Sproul, 2010 print

5. Course Binder & (access to) Course Teachings by Mary DeNora

Required If You Don’t Have Access to On-line Resources: (Can supplement with access to the internet. I have provided direct links below): 1. Concordance (Preferably Strong’s Concordance for the NASB version) http://www.biblegateway.com/ 2. Bible Dictionary – (Preferably Vine’s Bible Dictionary) http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/Dictionary/viewEntries.cfm 3. Gesenius' Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament...by H. W. F. Gesenius http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/lexica/gesenius/#about

Additional Recommended Texts: (The texts are required for other courses in the series) 1. Jewish New Testament Commentary: A Companion Volume to the Jewish New Testament Paperback, by David H. Stern 2. New Spirit-Filled Life Bible NKJV by Jack Hayford 3. The Hayford Bible Handbook (2004) by Jack Hayford 4. Parallel Bible: Amplified and NKJV The Berean Tool Box: Resource Links

Bible Search Tools (contains: commentaries, dictionaries, word and passage search tools): Bible Gateway http://www.biblegateway.com/ Bible Hub http://biblehub.com/ Bible Study Tools http://www.biblestudytools.com/ Blue Letter Bible http://www.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm http://www.blueletterbible.org/ Olive Tree.com http://www.olivetree.com/bible/ Charts & Outlines: Blue Letter Bible http://www.blueletterbible.org/resources/charts.cfm Interlinear Bible Resources: Bible Hub http://biblehub.com/interlinear/genesis/1.htm Q Bible (Old Testament) http://www.qbible.com/hebrew-old-testament/ Key Word Search: Bible Gateway http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/ Lexicons: Bible Study Tools http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/ Blue Letter http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm (Hebrew/Strong’s Search) Blue Letter http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=1&t=KJV (Greek/Strong’s Search) Symbols & Numbers: Bible Believers http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/number01.htm (Numbers) Temcat www.temcat.com/L-2.../Bible%20Symbols%20and%20Numbers.pdf Study Light http://www.studylight.org/dic/hbd/view.cgi?number=T4649 Versions & Translations: Bible Study Tools http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-versions/ Bible Study Tools http://www.biblestudytools.com/compare-translations/ Bible Hub http://biblehub.com/matthew/1-1.htm (Alphabetical Listing) Learning Objectives: Becoming a Berean - In this course, you have the opportunity to engage the process of becoming a Berean. You are expected to: · Set personal goals for participation which evaluates your own progress; · Prepare for class in order to teach others and to ask informed questions; · Engage in respectful and collaborative discussion, taking responsibility for the classroom dynamic; · Expand your ability to approach the Bible in different ways, and to transfer knowledge gleaned from various approaches; · Research a topic of interest, as well as engage in inductive Bible analysis of a passage of text; and finally · Read and prepare to explain (in the context of course learning) a passage of Scripture. Learning Objectives: Content - At the end of this course, you will be able to: · Demonstrate Biblical literacy · Maintain a working alphabetical vocabulary list of terms and concepts (e.g. Archetype: A statement, or pattern of behavior, a prototype upon which others are copied, patterned, or emulated. can refer to a constantly recurring symbol or motif in literature, painting or mythology. Archetypal literary criticism argues that archetypes determine the form and function of literary works, that a text's meaning is shaped by cultural and psychological myths. Archetypes are the unknowable basic forms personified or concretized in recurring images, symbols, or patterns which may include motifs such as the quest or the heavenly ascent, recognizable character types such as the trickster or the hero, symbols such as the apple or snake, or images such as crucifixion are all laden with meaning already when employed in a particular work.); · Identify structural features of the Bible (e.g., Old Testament, New Testament, Pentateuch, Prophets, Writings, Gospels, Letters, etc.); · Provide an reason for why you like a particular Bible translation over another; · Explain features of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek text, as well as some key features and differences between the two languages; · Have a cursory understanding of Hebrew word interpretation; · Conduct a comprehensive and reflective word study; · Conduct an inductive Bible study of a passage; · Describe some key Biblical genres and provide examples; · Identify factors that influence reading strategies of the Bible; · Find resources that will help you to extend your study of the Bible; · Explore presuppositions of our culture; · Work collaboratively with others on Bible interpretation and presentation; and · Collaboratively and individually present a study in front of a group. Assignments

Reading: Students will read the assigned portions of Introducing the Bible Course Reader. The reading for the day appears on the class schedule below. Come to class prepared to discuss the material in the chapter, including what you do not understand or found problematic. The reading assignments will sometimes include readings from the text of the Bible. These readings should also be done before you arrive in class.

Collaborative Group Work: You will be expected to prepare for various group assignments, which includes collaborative work outside the classroom setting. Directions will be presented in class for each collaborative assignment in order to avoid confusion.

Papers: The purpose of these assignments is two-fold: to develop your ability to write short arguments and give oral presentations, and to identify principles of interpretation. Each paper assignment will be categorized as either: (1) A-level; or (2) B-level.

A-Level: A-Level research and writing are based only on the biblical text (primary sources). Do NOT consult secondary sources. 1) Gather evidence: Read the assigned biblical passage(s) carefully. Keep a list of key words or themes as you read, noting chapter and verse references. Do not assume that you know what the text says; make sure it is really there! A concordance should be used to identify word repetition. 2) Analyze the evidence: What themes seem to be the most important and well- developed? Pick two and write a paragraph on each. Structure your paragraphs this way: introduce your theme with a topic sentence, give at least three pieces of properly-cited evidence to support the theme, and conclude (restate topic sentence and lead to the next paragraph). 3) Evaluate the evidence within its context: Make a clear connection between your two topic sentences and write a thesis sentence. Write an introduction for your paper that states your thesis and how you will prove it (preview your topic sentences). Write a conclusion that reviews your topic sentences and restates your thesis. Possible questions to consider: How does this text present the relationship between God and humans? Is this relationship direct or mediated? What main image or language is used to describe God? How are the people presented? Are specific people or groups valued over others (e.g., priests, kings, Israelites, Canaanites)? What type of punishment or salvation is described? 4) Extend your thesis to a new context: Briefly compare this text with other texts of Scripture. Consider any one of the following questions: How does this text fit into or advance the metanarrative? Why does the author tell this story or present this material in this particular way (genre)? What historical situation or event might have provoked this kind of message or understanding of God? What bias do you detect? [Hint: consider the bias of the author rather than the perspective of God or other characters.] Write your question and a possible solution (no more than one sentence) and insert it into your introduction and conclusion, framing the rest of your paper. 5) Write no more than one page. Edit your papers carefully, using the samples to guide your form. Do not just re-tell the story! Bring your assignments to class the day they are due. B-Level: Now that you have developed the skill of writing short arguments based on the Biblical text alone (primary sources), you will have the opportunity to develop a more sophisticated writing style and argument by including information from secondary sources. 1) Begin with an examination of the primary source: Prepare a paper based on #1-4 above, having a clear question identified. For example, you might ask, “What is going on that the author insists that Jews only marry other Jews?” [Hint: if you do this part well, the rest will be easier!] 2) Include research: Research the question that you identified in #4 above. Consult at least five secondary sources dated after 1975 (you can cite sources from your course reader; however, for specific topical studies, you will want to expand outside of the course reader). Include at least one to two Bible commentaries specific to your passage. Do not use internet sources, unless you are sure they are reliable and rise to the level of academic scholarship. Use proper citation format (see samples). Integrate this research into your paper wherever appropriate. 3) Three to seven page length is appropriate. However, there is no page limit on this assignment; however, if you go beyond 20 pages, you are probably outside of the scope of the subject. Bring your assignments to class the day they are due.

A Word About Assignments: · Late assignments will not be accepted. In order to take this course, you will be required to make the full commitment to participate. You will be given enough time between course meetings to accomplish your homework. I recommend that you start and finish the assignments immediately after the class wherein they were assigned. · You MAY discuss your assignments with other students. Your written assignments, on the other hand, must be your own work; however, you can work with each other to proof edit (just do not write someone else’s work for them or engage in editing that borders on doing so. · You are responsible for knowing what plagiarism is and what it is not. · I will provide written feedback on your assignments. You will also be provided a grade on your work to help you with a general sense of how you are doing in terms of acquiring and applying the teaching and materials. This will not be based on a curve, but will be reflective of expected course outcomes. Class Schedule and Assignments *Subject to adjustment and change Module 1: How We Got The Bible & Why Do You Study The Version You Study? · Class Session Overview · Becoming a Berean - What is a Berean? What are the instructor’s expectations? o Syllabus o Navigating the Website · How We Got The Bible Teaching · Discuss homework due for next class and set next class meeting

Homework Due for Next Class Session: Reading: · Read all of Ch 1 & 2 of RC Sproul’s Knowing Scripture; OR · Watch or listen to corresponding Lessons 1 & 2: http://www.jesus24- 7.org/training_and_courses.html; AND · Read and Review Module 1 Readings in your Course Reader. Study & Prepare either: Response: 1a. Bible Versions Chart which compares at least 4 major versions of the Bible and write one paragraph which explains why you read/have chosen the version of the Bible that you have decided will be the main Bible you study; and 2. Be ready, if called upon, to explain why you read the version you read and to explain differences between at 2-3 different versions. OR 1b. Write a 2 page double-spaced paper which discusses how we got 4 major versions of the Bible (of your choosing), and write one paragraph which explains why you read/have chosen the version of the Bible that you have decided will be the main Bible you study; and 2. Be ready, if called upon, to explain why you read the version you read and to explain differences between at 2-3 different versions. Miscellaneous: Review the Course Syllabus. Make sure you have all the necessary course materials, including required books. Review the course website. Make sure you raise any and all questions sooner rather than later, so you don’t get behind and avoid any confusion. Module 1

Supplemental Teaching Handouts:

Reading Overview: Validity of the NT & OT Reading Overview: Bible Translations by Galyn Wiemers

Last Hope Books and Publications A division of Generation Word Bible Teaching Ministry

Module 1

Supplemental Teaching Handouts:

How We Got The Bible -Teaching Notes

Supplemental Handouts HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE

presents...

ow We Got the ible

A Time Line of Key Events in the History of the Bible

Complete Presentation

Introduction to the Bible

1500 BC - AD 500

AD 500 - AD 1500

AD 1500 - AD 1900

AD 1900 - AD 2003

Select “Complete Presentation” or any option above

The Bible is inspired by God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

2 Peter 1:20-21

The Bible is: Made up of 66 different books. Written over a span of 1,600 years (approximately 1500 BC to AD 100). Written by more than 40 kings, prophets, leaders, and followers of Jesus.

Old Testament: Clay 39 books Written approximately 1500-400 BC

Stone Leather

New Testament: 27 books Written approximately AD 45-100 papyrus

The oldest New Testament fragment (from John 18) that we have today was copied in Greek on a papyrus codex (folded book) around AD 110-130.

The Old Testament was written mainly in Hebrew, with some Aramaic.

A sample of The letter “aleph” Aramaic letters. in Hebrew script.

The New Testament was written in Greek.

A sample of The letter “alpha” in Greek letters. Koine Greek dialect.

Matthew 5:18 (KJV) - “For verily I say

unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”

Matthew 5:18 in the Aramaic language. The jot is highlighted in red.

1500-400 BC Old Testament Events are written down in Hebrew (with portions in Aramaic) over many centuries. In Exodus, the LORD tells Moses to write in a book. Other writers, inspired by God, include leaders, kings and prophets. Together, these writings on leather scrolls and other materials are called the Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament.