One of the most lively and enduring debates in New Testament studies is the question of the significance of ‘apocalyptic' thought in Paul. This has recently given birth to a group of scholars, with a common theological genealogy, who share a concern to emphasise the ‘apocalyptic' nature of Paul's gospel. Leading figures of this group are J. Louis Martyn, Martinus de Boer, Beverly Gaventa and Douglas Campbell. The work of this group has not been received without criticism, drawing fire from various quarters. However, what is often lacking (on both sides) is detailed engagement with the texts of the Jewish and Christian apocalypses. This dissertation attempts to evaluate the ‘apocalyptic Paul' movement through an examination of its major theological emphases in the light of the Jewish apocalypses 1 Enoch, 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch and the Christian book of Revelation. Placing Paul in this literary and historical context confirms his place as an apocalyptic thinker, but raises important questions about how this is construed in these recent approaches. Each chapter will address one of four interrelated themes: epistemology, eschatology, cosmology and soteriology. The study intends to suggest that the ‘apocalyptic Paul' movement is characterised at key points in each area by potentially false dichotomies, strict dualisms which unnecessarily screen out what Paul's apocalyptic thought affirms.

M.A. (Semitic Languages and Cultures) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.A. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.A. / Die skrywer van hierdie evangelie stel die doel daarvan as om mense voor 'n keuse te plaas, 'n keuse vir of teen Jesus die Seun van God. My doel is dan om die evangelie meer verstaanbaar te maak deur te poog om die lewe waaroor dit in die evangelie gaan, te verklaar. Omdat die evangelie ook dien as 'n teologiese verklaring, sal ek ook probeer aandui wat die toelogie van die Johannesevangelie is. Oor die dood sal daar nie breedvoerig gehandel word nie, aangesien hierdie evangelie bekend staan as die evangelie van lewe.

This dissertation seeks to find out what Paul means when he writes, "and so all Israel will be saved" in Romans 11:26. Does the phrase "all Israel" refer to the ethnic Israel, the elect Israel, or the church? What is Paul's view of salvation of Israel in the epistle of Romans? Chapter 1 shows that previous studies have not paid enough attention to the meaning of the phrase "all Israel" in its New Testament usage. The handling of the context of Isaiah in the interpretations of Romans 11:26-27 in previous studies has been inadequate. Chapter 2 studies Paul's use of the Old Testament, specifically, his quotation of Isaiah 59:20, 21 and 27:9. In Isaiah, there is a redeemed Israel, which will be blessed, and a rebellious Israel, which will be judged. Paul's quotation of the Isaiah texts emphasizes the forgiveness of sins brought about by the coming of the deliverer, referring to the first coming of Christ. The name "Jacob" stresses the ethnicity of the people. "Israel" and "Jacob," however, are often used interchangeably in the Old Testament, especially in poetic passages. Chapter 3 studies the use of the phrase "all Israel" in the Old Testament, early Jewish literature, and the New Testament. It refers to the covenant people of God in the Old Testament. It does not necessarily include everyone in Israel. In early Jewish apocalyptic literature, the phrase "all Israel" often refers to the faithful Israelites throughout the ages. Chapter 4 examines the biblical and theological contexts of Romans, followed by a careful exegesis of Romans 11:25-32. The researcher argues that "all Israel" in Romans 11:26 refers to the elect Israel throughout the ages. They are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. The fullness of Israel comes about by Israelites turning to Christ in faith through the preaching of the gospel. Chapter 5 evaluates and interacts with various views of salvation of Israel mentioned in chapter 1. The researcher applies the result of this study to the issue of Jewish mission. Finally, a conclusion summarizes the main theses of this dissertation. / This item is only available to students and faculty of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. If you are not associated with SBTS, this dissertation may be purchased from <a href="http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb">http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb</a> or downloaded through ProQuest's Dissertation and Theses database if your institution subscribes to that service.

[Greek words romanized in title and description] This dissertation defends the thesis that the Pauline phrase, pistis Christou ("faith of Christ" [Rom 3:22,26; Gal 2:16, 20; 3:22; Phil 3:9; Eph 3:12]), in its various contexts, is best translated as "faith in Christ" (objective genitive) and not "faith/faithfulness of Christ" (subjective genitive). Chapter 1 surveys the history of the debate from 1795 to the present. Chapter 2 gives an overview of the use of pistis ("faith") in the LXX and the rest of the NT corpus outside of Paul's letters. It is argued that the LXX usage of pistis supports the subjective genitive interpretation, but the NT usage argues for the objective genitive interpretation. Chapter 3 investigates the use of "faith" in the writings of the apostolic fathers. The research shows that the fathers use pistis along the lines of NT writers and the evidence from their writings also supports our thesis concerning the pistis Christou phrase in Paul. Chapter 4 addresses the nature of the genitive case, Paul's use of the genitives Christou, kuriou, and Theou. Also in chapter 4, the main arguments made in defense of the Subjective genitive interpretation are summarized and evaluated. Chapters 5-7 are exegetical in nature and make up the core of this dissertation. Arguments are made from the context of each letter in which the pistis Christou phrase appears (Romans, Galatians, and Philippians). First, the meaning of pistis Christou is sought in its immediate context and the results evaluated in light of the broader context of each letter. We found that in all these instances, the reading "faith in Christ" for pistis Christou is the more probable reading in context. Chapter 8 summarizes the results of this investigation and evaluates the thesis proposed in this dissertation. Appendices 1-4 cover topics such as (1) why the debate is limited to the subjective and objective genitives (appendix 1), (2) examples of subjective and objective genitives in the NT (appendix 2), (3) pistis in the rest of Paul's letters (appendix 3), and (4) pistis Christou in Ephesians 3:12 (appendix 4). / This item is only available to students and faculty of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. If you are not associated with SBTS, this dissertation may be purchased from <a href="http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb">http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb</a> or downloaded through ProQuest's Dissertation and Theses database if your institution subscribes to that service.

This dissertation identifies covenant as a primary framework for understanding marriage in the Bible and the divorce and remarriage texts of the New Testament. Chapter 1 defines the need for such a work and provides a basic overview of the present major positions. Chapter 2 provides a theology of marriage based upon the biblical principle of covenant and the foundational principles of Genesis 2:24: leave, cleave, and one flesh. Chapter 3 examines the primary Old Testament texts and their contribution to this discussion. Passages that are examined include Genesis 1-2, Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Malachi 2:10-16, and other pertinent texts. These passages help shape one's understanding of the New Testament teachings on divorce and remarriage. Chapters 4 and 5 serve as the heart of the work and consider the words of Jesus and Paul on divorce and remarriage. It is argued in these chapters that both Jesus and Paul promote the ideal of lifelong marriage but also allow for divorce when the covenant of marriage is violated. Jesus deals with the "one flesh" aspect of the marriage covenant, and Paul addresses the "leave" and "cleave" elements. When these parameters are obstinately violated, divorce is permitted but not required. It is also important to understand and interpret the words of Jesus and Paul in their historical context, for it is only within this context that we can understand fully what they are teaching. Chapter 6 is the conclusion and provides an overview of the work as well as some pastoral implications of the research. / This item is only available to students and faculty of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. If you are not associated with SBTS, this dissertation may be purchased from <a href="http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb">http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb</a> or downloaded through ProQuest's Dissertation and Theses database if your institution subscribes to that service.

This dissertation examines leadership and management competencies of Southern Baptist mega-church executive pastors. The study discusses the issue of limited research on the position of the executive pastor. Resources related to this position are cited. Possible reasons for the emergence of this position are examined including the minister's dilemma of being both shepherd and administrator and the issue of leadership training as preparation for the pastorate. Also provided is a theological and philosophical foundation for the leadership and management practices. Servant leadership as the biblical foundation for leadership and secular leadership models appropriate for church administration are reviewed. Research findings on ministerial effectiveness and the minister as manager are included. The available research on the role of the executive pastor is analyzed to reveal the practices posited in current literature. The methodological design is based on the 1988 research of Stephen Boersma. This study identifies and analyzes the self evaluated importance of leadership and management competencies. Demographic data and professional experience are studied to identify relationships between the executive pastors' response and his background. The analysis of findings presents the raw data, displays and statistical analysis. A description of how the raw data was compiled and an evaluation of the research design is provided. The analysis relates to the demographic data of the population, the rank order of the importance ratings, a comparative analysis of this study's findings with the finds of the Boersma study, an analysis of the demographic characteristics that are predictors of the importance ratings and a brief study of the findings related to the subjects' self-reported job satisfaction, performance and preparation in the role of the executive pastor. This research contends that there are certain leadership and management competencies necessary for the management and administration of the church. The executive pastor will employ these practices as foundational to the position. There is also a relationship of demographic characteristics to the importance rating. Finally, pastors and executive pastors tend to agree on the importance of these competencies. / This item is only available to students and faculty of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. If you are not associated with SBTS, this dissertation may be purchased from <a href="http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb">http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb</a> or downloaded through ProQuest's Dissertation and Theses database if your institution subscribes to that service.

This dissertation proposes that Deuteronomy portrays the role of divine paternity in three dimensions; progenitor, caregiver, and covenant partner. After presenting the history of the research in chapter 1, this study recognizes that the fatherhood of God in Deuteronomy had been largely overlooked. Recognizing the phrase, "God is a father," to be metaphorical, this study presents a discussion on metaphorical theory in order to understand how metaphors work. Max Black's theory of interaction is accepted as a framework to understanding Deuteronomy's metaphor, "God is a father." Chapter 3 presents an overview of fatherhood from the perspective the ANE. The purpose of the chapter is to establish a system of associated commonplaces concerning the word "father" in the ANE, which, in turn, helps modern readers understand the phrase, "God is a father." This study investigates the literary and theological context of Deuteronomy 32, 1, 8, and 14 (in that order) where the fatherhood of God is revealed. Subsequently, it discusses the structure and genre of each chapter. Finally, it analyzes the verses in their context that speak of God as the father of Israel (Deut 32:6, 18; 1:31; 8:5; 14:1-2). Chapter 4 logically begins with Deuteronomy 32, for there it reveals Yahweh as the progenitor of Israel. Moreover, it is the only occurrence in Deuteronomy where the word "father" is used metaphorically for Yahweh. Deuteronomy 1 reveals Yahweh as caregiver , as he is compared to an earthly father carrying his son. Deuteronomy 8 continues the caregiving theme in the form of Yahweh disciplining Israel for their refinement and for their good. Deuteronomy 14 presents Yahweh's fatherhood as covenant partner . The chapter also portrays Israel as his son, his holy people, and his special treasure. Israel's role, as son, is to obey Yahweh's commands. The conclusion provides a summary and concluding thoughts pertaining to God's fatherhood in Deuteronomy. It affirms that Deuteronomy portrays Yahweh's divine paternity over Israel as progenitor, caregiver, and covenant partner. / This item is only available to students and faculty of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. If you are not associated with SBTS, this dissertation may be purchased from <a href="http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb">http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb</a> or downloaded through ProQuest's Dissertation and Theses database if your institution subscribes to that service.

In this dissertation the author seeks to present a holistic theology proper (hereafter, simply "theology") for the first epistle to Timothy, with special regard to the letter's doxologies (King) and divine title, Savior. Chapter 1 identifies the problem, includes a history of research, and describes the method and procedure of the dissertation. The method of inquiry consists of determining the meaning and function of the letter's theology. Thus, the author seeks to understand the background and character of 1 Timothy's theology, while also wishing to discern why the author of 1 Timothy chose to emphasize these peculiar theological themes. Chapter 2 explores the meaning and function of the theological descriptions found in the doxologies of 1 Timothy 1:17 and 6:15-16. By thorough comparison to Greco-Roman, early Jewish, and OT literature, the author suggests a basically OT-informed view of God. The doxologies depict God as the only Sovereign who rules over all. The writer then determines that the doxologies function as a support and encouragement for Timothy to heed Paul's charge. This conclusion is largely based on the positioning of the doxologies and the macrostructure of the letter. Chapter 3 examines the meaning and function of the divine epithet Savior. After comparing this term to its occurrences in Greco-Roman, early Jewish, and OT literature, the author again favors an OT background for Savior. This term depicts God as one who mercifully and indiscriminately reconciles sinners who trust in Christ. While also recognizing other functions, the author suggests that God as Savior may have been aimed at the primary implied reader, Timothy, as well. Accordingly, the idea of Savior informs and strengthens Timothy, so that he might continue to labor in presenting the life-giving gospel of God. Chapter 4 considers every remaining theological description in 1 Timothy, as well as themes that significantly relate to the letter's theology, such as Christology. The author suggests that the entire theology of 1 Timothy either coheres with or supports the predominant ideas of God as King and Savior. Chapter 5 summarizes the dissertation's findings and concludes with suggested implications for NT studies. / This item is only available to students and faculty of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. If you are not associated with SBTS, this dissertation may be purchased from <a href="http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb">http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb</a> or downloaded through ProQuest's Dissertation and Theses database if your institution subscribes to that service.