GB111 INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE (3) Fall 2009

Mid-South Christian College Assistant Professor: Robert Griffin 3097 Knight Rd. Memphis, TN 38181 E-mail: prof.griffin@gmail.com www.midsouthcc.org Home: (901) 381-1547 Version: 5.0 Date: July 29, 2009 GB111 INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE (3) Fall 2009 COURSE DESCRIPTION This course provides a general introduction to the whole Bible as a foundation for future OT & NT courses. Emphasis is placed upon gaining basic Bible knowledge of features of geography, chronology, key people, events, & institutions from both the Old & New Testaments in their historical, literary, & theological context. COURSE TEXTBOOKS Johnston, Philip S. The IVP Introduction to the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2007. ISBN 9780830828289 The Holy Bible. [NOTE: Students need a good study Bible in a modern English translation not a paraphrase version, and not the KJV (AV) or NJKV any of which may be fine for personal devotions and/or use in worship, but which are not adequate for the exegetical study of Scripture]. THE MISSION OF MSCC Mid-South Christian College exists to glorify God by partnering with Christian Churches in raising-up individuals called by God to fulfill the global vision of Christ by facilitating their academic, practical and spiritual preparation. PLAGIARISM. Students are expected to give proper credit when using the ideas of others. This frequently takes the form of quotation marks with proper footnotes or endnotes giving the source of the quotation. For examples, consult Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, & Dissertations. 6th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996. Submitting work done by another person as your own results in an F for the assignment and can result in further academic disciplinary measures. CLASS ATTENDANCE Regularity in class attendance is considered absolutely essential to the proper completion of a course. Absences caused by college sponsored activities are the only excused absences. All unexcused absences will result in the lowering of grades and may result in additional work. After absences equal to three weeks of class time the student must petition the faculty to remain in the class as a credit student. Absences in excess of 25% of the total class hours will result in failure of the course. A student is considered tardy if he arrives in class after the instructor begins to call the roll or has begun class or if he leaves before the class hour is completed. Four tardies are counted as one absence. Absences immediately preceding or following a school holiday will be counted as two absences. CLASS ASSIGNMENTS AND INCOMPLETE GRADES All class work is to be completed as assigned. No work will be accepted after the day of the final examination unless the student has filed for an extension before that time. An Incomplete Request Form is available in the Academic Dean s office upon the payment of a $10.00 fee. This form entitles the student to an extension of 30 days in which to complete all class assignments. Failure to complete the work within that extension will result in a grade of F. Announced tests and examinations should be taken when scheduled. Failure to do so will result in a late fee of $5.00 which must be paid before the test is administered. COURSE CHANGES OR WITHDRAWALS FROM COURSES Students who desire to make course changes must do so within the first two weeks of the semester. In order to withdraw from a class or change classes, a student must secure written approval from the registrar and from his instructor. Withdrawal from a class is permitted without penalty (except financial as outlined in the financial section of the catalog) during the first three weeks of the semester. After three weeks, the grade WP or WF will be given and entered on the student s transcript After 6 weeks, a student is not permitted to change a class from credit to audit. After 10 weeks, a student is not permitted to withdraw passing from any course. Withdrawal from a course without written approval from both the registrar and the instructor results in an F grade. 1

REFUNDS Withdrawal refunds of tuition and room rent will be as follows: * During the first two weeks of the semester - 80% * During the fourth week of the semester - 40% * During the third week of the semester - 60% * After the fourth week of the semester - No refund WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE A student may not withdraw from the college without notifying the dean of students, academic dean or the president. The student is expected to meet all obligations involving his instructors, the business manager, librarian and registrar. Failure to notify the college of withdrawal may result in the student forfeiting any refunds due him. STUDENT CORE LEARNING THREADS (ACLTS) 1. Demonstrate skills at accurately handling the sacred Scriptures (ABIB). 2. Demonstrate personal spiritual growth (ASPI). 3. Demonstrate competence in the mental skills of thought, reasoning, reflection, analysis and discovery in seeking God s truth and application for today s cultures from a Biblical worldview. (AREA). 4. Demonstrate competence in effective public communication (ACOM). COURSE OBJECTIVES Course Objective As a result of having completed this course, the student will... 1. gain basic Bible knowledge of the OT & NT 2. gain basic literary knowledge of the Bible 3. 4. be challenged to grow spiritually in their own personal relationship with God through greater knowledge of His Word gain experience doing college-level research of a biblical topic Goal that it Supports This objective supports [ACLT] because... [ABIB] Bible Knowledge...through learning the geography, chronology, key people, events, and institutions of the Old and New Testaments in their historical, literary, and theological context [ABIB] Biblical Exegesis...through studying the various genres found in the OT & NT, and by learning how to interpret their literary features [ASPI] Spiritual Growth...through being challenged to apply the Bible's moral and ethical teachings in their own lives [AREA] Reasoning, Reflection, & Analysis...by writing a 5-7-page college-level research paper COURSE ASSIGNMENTS: Please take note: MSCC Academic Policy states that all assignments must be turned in to pass a course. Any assignment not turned in will result in a grade of F for the Course. Description Date due Value 1 Preparation & Participation: Students will complete all reading assignments PRIOR to the class period for which they are due, & will write 5 Questions & Answers on each class period's reading assignment. (Q&As will be turned-in each class period for a GRADE) Every Class 10% 2 MID-TERM EXAM: Introduction to the Bible OT Prophets Oct. 26 30% 3 STUDENT PROJECT: Students will research and write a 5-7-page paper on an approved topic from the OT or NT Dec. 10 30% NOTE: ABSOLUTELY NO INTERNET SOURCES (Wikipedia, Ask.com, etc.) may be used in research papers without STRICT PRIOR APPROVAL!!! 4 FINAL EXAM: The Inter-Testamental Period NT Revelation Dec. 14 30% 2 Total 100%

COURSE CALENDAR Date Topic Assignment 1a Aug. 31 INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE Go over Syllabus & Requirements 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a Sept. 3 Sept. 7 Sept. 10 Sept. 14 Sept. 17 Sept. 21 Sept. 24 Sept. 28 Oct. 1 Oct. 5 Oct. 8 Oct. 12 Oct. 15 Oct. 19 Oct. 22 Oct. 26 Introducing the Bible Read: Johnston, Ch. 1, pp. 1-18 LABOR DAY -- NO CLASS!!! Introducing the Old Testament Read: Johnston, Ch. 2, pp. 19-33 Introducing the Old Testament Pentateuch (Genesis - Numbers) (Choose Research Topic by today!) Pentateuch (Deuteronomy) Historical Books (Joshua, Judges, & Ruth) (Turn in Bibliography by today!) Historical Books (1-2 Samuel & 1-2 Kings) Historical Books (1-2 Chron., Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther) Poetic Books (Job & Psalms) Poetic Books (Proverbs & Ecclesiastes) (Turn in Outline by today!) Poetic Books (Lamentations) Prophets (ANE Prophets; Isaiah; Jeremiah) Prophets (Ezekiel & Daniel) Prophets (The Book of the Twelve: Hosea-Malachi) MID-TERM EXAM Read: Johnston, Ch. 2, pp. 33-48 Read: Johnston, Ch. 3, pp. 49-61 Read: Johnston, Ch. 3, pp. 62-68 Read: Johnston, Ch. 4, pp. 69-81 Read: Johnston, Ch. 4, pp. 81-88 Read: Johnston, Ch. 4, pp. 88-94 Read: Johnston, Ch. 5, pp. 95-103 Read: Johnston, Ch. 5, pp. 103-111 Read: Johnston, Ch. 5, pp. 111-113 Read: Johnston, Ch. 6, pp. 115-126 Read: Johnston, Ch. 6, pp. 126-129 Read: Johnston, Ch. 6, pp. 129-139 Intro. to the Bible > OT > Prophets Johnston, Chs. 1-6 + all class lectures 9b Oct. 29 Between the Testaments Read: Johnston, Ch. 7, pp. 141-150 10a 10b Nov. 2 Nov. 5 NT - VIDEO Introducing the New Testament Read: Johnston, Ch. 8, pp. 151-167 (Turn in Updated Outline by today!) 11a 11b Nov. 9 Nov. 12 Introducing the New Testament Gospels (Mark, Matthew, & Luke) Read: Johnston, Ch. 8, pp. 167-184 Read: Johnston, Ch. 9, pp. 185-197 12a 12b Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Gospels (John) Acts Read: Johnston, Ch. 9, pp. 197-205 Read: Johnston, Ch. 10, pp. 207-213 13a 13b Nov. 23 Nov. 26 Letters (Letters in the NT & Ancient World; Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians) THANKSGIVING BREAK Read: Johnston, Ch. 11, pp. 215-232 NO CLASS!!! 14a 14b Nov. 30 Dec. 3 Letters (Ephesians - 2 Thessalonians) Letters (1-2 Timothy, Titus, & Philemon) Read: Johnston, Ch. 11, pp. 232-242 Read: Johnston, Ch. 11, pp. 242-246 15a Dec. 7 Letters (Hebrews - Jude) Read: Johnston, Ch. 11, pp. 246-263 15b Dec. 10 Revelation + Reading the Bible Read: Johnston, Ch. 12, pp. 265-277 Student Project is DUE!!! Student Project: 5-7-page Research paper 16 Dec. 14 FINAL EXAM Between the Testaments > NT > Revelation Johnston, Chs. 7-12 + all class lectures 3

BIBLIOGRAPHY OLD TESTAMENT: BIBLICAL HISTORIES Bright, John. A History of Israel. 4 th ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000. 978-0-664-22068-1 Bruce, F. F. Israel and the Nations: The History of Israel from the Exodus to the Fall of the Second Temple. Rev. by David F. Payne. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1998. 978-0-8308-1510-4 Halpern, Baruch. The First Historians: The Hebrew Bible and History. University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University Press, 1996. 978-0-271-01615-9 Mayes, A. D. H. The Story of Israel between Settlement and Exile: A Redactional Study of the Deuteronomistic History. London: SCM Press, 1983. 978-0-334-01534-0 Merrill, Eugene H. Kingdom of Priests: A History of Old Testament Israel. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1996. 978-0-8010-2103-0 Nelson, Richard D. The Historical Books. Interpreting Biblical Texts. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1998. 978-0-6870-0843-3 Provan, Iain, V. Philips Long, and Tremper Longman III. A Biblical History of Israel. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2003. 978-0-6642-2090-8 Wood, Leon J. A Survey of Israel s History. Rev. & Enl. Rev. by David O Brien. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1986. 978-0-3103-4770-5 BACKGROUND & OT SURVEY RESOURCES Arnold, Bill T. and H. G. M. Williamson, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2005. 978-0-8308-1782-5 Boadt, Lawrence. Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction. New York, NY: Paulist Press, 1984. 978-0-8091-2631-1 Coogan, Michael D., J. Cheryl Exum, and Lawrence E. Stager, eds. Scripture and Other Artifacts: Essays on the Bible and Archaeology in Honor of Philip J. King. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1994. 978-0-664-22036-3 Dunn, James D. G. and John Rogerson, eds. Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003. 978-0-8028-3711 Hamilton, Victor P. Handbook on the Historical Books. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2004. 978-0-8010-2257-9 Hill, Andrew E. and John H. Walton. A Survey of the Old Testament. 2d ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000. 978-0-3102-2903-2 House, Paul R. Old Testament Survey. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman, 1992. 978-0-8054-1015-0 King, Philip J. and Lawrence E. Stager. Life in Biblical Israel. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001. 978-0-6642-2148-5 Kitchen, Kenneth A. On the Reliability of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003. 978-0-8028-4960-1 LaSor, William S., David A. Hubbard, and Frederic W. Bush. Old Testament Survey. 2d. ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996. 978-0-8028-3788-2 Long, V. Philips, David W. Baker, and Gordon J. Wenham, eds. Windows into Old Testament History: Evidence, Argument, and the Crisis of Biblical Israel. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002. 978-0-8028-3962-6 Longman, Tremper III and Raymond B. Dillard. An Introduction to the Old Testament. 2d ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006. 978-0-3102-6341-8 4

Matthews, Victor H. and Don C. Benjamin. Social World of Ancient Israel, 1250 587 BCE. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1993. 978-0-9135-7389-1 Old Testament Survey. New Interpreter s Bible. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2005. 978-0-6870-5344-5 Shanks, Hershel, ed. Abraham & Family: New Insights into the Patriarchal Narratives. Washington, D.C.: Biblical Archaeology Society, 2000. 978-1-8803-1757-0 Walton, John H., Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2000. 978-0-8308-1419-1 ATLASES Brisco, Thomas. Holman Bible Atlas. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998. 978-1-5581-9709-1 Rainey, Anson F. and R. Steven Notley, eds. The Sacred Bridge: CARTA S Atlas of the Biblical World. Jerusalem: CARTA, 2006. 978-9-6522-0529-2 Smith, Marsha A. Ellis, ed. Holman Book of Biblical Charts, Maps, and Reconstructions. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1993. 978-1-5581-9359-8 OT THEOLOGIES Dumbrell, William J. The Faith of Israel: A Theological Survey of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002. 978-0-8010-2532-7 House, Paul R. Old Testament Theology. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1998. 978-0-8308-1523-4 Rad, Gerhard von. Old Testament Theology. Volumes I and II. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2005. 978-1-5656-3652-1 Rendtorff, Rolf. Canon and Theology: Overtures to an Old Testament Theology. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 1993. 978-0-8006-2665-6 BIBLE COMMENTARY SERIES Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms Series Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT) Word Biblical Commentary The Anchor Bible / The Anchor YALE Bible Commentary NEW TESTAMENT: NT SURVEY & BACKGROUND SOURCES Carson, D. A. and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament. 2d ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005. 978-0-3102-3859-1 Elwell, Walter A. and Robert W. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey. 2d ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005. 978-0-8010-2806-9 Evans, Craig A. and Stanley E. Porter, eds. Dictionary of New Testament Background. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. 978-0-8308-1780-1 Green, Joel B., Scot McKnight, and I. Howard Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992. 978-0-8308-1777-1 Martin, R. P. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993. 978-0-8511-0651-9 Martin, R. P. and Peter H. Davids, eds. Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Development. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997. 978-0-8308-1779-5 5

APPROVED RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS [NOTE: IF you want to write on a topic not listed below PRIOR approval must be received from the professor.] 1. Archaeology & the Bible (Choose a specific topic from OT or NT biblical archaeology) 2. Geography & the Bible (Choose a specific topic related to the study of geography in either the OT or NT) 3. OT Worship (Choose a specific topic, such as, Sacrificial System; Levitical Priesthood; Feast Days, etc.) 4. Life of Christ (Choose a specific topic from one of the Gospels: Teaching; Miracles; Parables; Passion of Christ, etc.) 5. Early Church (Choose a specific topic from Acts: The Jerusalem Council; Planting New Churches; Judaizers, etc.) 6. Theology (Choose a specific topic or theme from the OT or NT & explain its biblical importance) 7. Doctrine (Choose a specific NT Doctrine & explain its relevance & application for the church today) 8. Genre Identification (Choose a specific genre from the OT or NT & explain how to read a sample text) 9. Between the Testaments (Trace the historical or theological developments in Israel between the OT & NT periods) Syllabus Acknowledgement Form Fill-in the Blanks with the Course Name, Number, & Semester-Year. Read Carefully. Check each box [ ]. Give the signed & dated form to your instructor. [ ] I have received a copy of the syllabus for Introduction to the Bible, GB111 for Fall 2009. Course Name Number Semester - Year [ ] I have read the syllabus in its entirety, and I fully understand the course objectives and requirements for this class. [ ] I understand that ALL course requirements and assignments must be completed in order to pass this class. Printed Name Date Signature 6

READING ASSIGNMENTS CHECKLIST Write your initials on each blank line indicating "YES, I have read this assignment in its entirety." 1a 1b Date Aug. 31 Sept. 3 Johnston, IVP Introduction to the Bible Introduction to the Bible -- Go over Syllabus & Course Requirements Ch. 1, pp. 1-17 "Introducing the Bible" 2a 2b Sept. 7 Sept. 10 LABOR DAY HOLIDAY -- NO CLASS!!! Ch. 2, pp. 19-48 "Introducing the Old Testament" 3a 3b Sept. 14 Sept. 17 Ch. 2, pp. 19-48 "Introducing the Old Testament" Ch. 3, pp. 49-68 "Pentateuch" 4a 4b Sept. 21 Sept. 24 Ch. 3, pp. 49-68 "Pentateuch" Ch. 4, pp. 69-94 "Historical Books" 5a 5b Sept. 28 Oct. 1 Ch. 4, pp. 69-94 "Historical Books" Ch. 4, pp. 69-94 "Historical Books" 6a 6b Oct. 5 Oct. 8 Ch. 5, pp. 95-114 "Poetic Books" Ch. 5, pp. 95-114 "Poetic Books" 7a 7b Oct. 12 Oct. 15 Ch. 5, pp. 95-114 "Poetic Books" 8a 8b Oct. 19 Oct. 22 Ch. 6, pp. 115-140 "Prophets" Ch. 6, pp. 115-140 "Prophets" 9a 9b Oct. 26 Oct. 29 MID-TERM EXAM Ch. 7, pp. 141-150 "Between the Testaments" 10a 10b Nov. 2 Nov. 5 Ch. 8, pp. 151-184 "Introducing the New Testament" Ch. 8, pp. 151-184 "Introducing the New Testament" 11a 11b Nov. 9 Nov. 12 Ch. 9, pp. 185-205 "Gospels" Ch. 9, pp. 185-205 "Gospels" 12a 12b 13a 13b 14a 14b Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 23 Nov. 26 Nov. 30 Dec. 3 Ch. 10, pp. 207-214 "Acts" Ch. 11, pp. 215-264 "Letters" Ch. 11, pp. 215-264 "Letters" THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY Ch. 11, pp. 215-264 "Letters" Ch. 11, pp. 215-264 "Letters" 15a Dec. 7 Ch. 12, pp. 265-277 "Revelation" 15b Dec. 10 STUDENT PROJECT IS DUE: 5-7-page Research Paper 16 Dec. 14 FINAL EXAM 7