Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 23:2 (Fall 2019)
Article: Dissertation Defenses at Baptist Bible Seminary
Author: Anonymous

Dissertation Defenses at Baptist Bible Seminary

— Old Testament —

Gerhard Rehwald — The Function of Chapter 27 in the Book of Leviticus

Abstract: This dissertation examines the function of chapter 27 in the Book of Leviticus both as a literary integrative part in its structural function as well as a conclusion to the thematical scope of Leviticus. The chapter 27 comprises a two-fold book closure which finalizes both the structure and the theme of holiness in Leviticus.

Chapter 27 consummates the holiness teachings of Leviticus through practical applications which reveal the sincerity of the devotee. A direct law speech, embedded in a minimalistic narrative frame, formulates a didactive entity with legal provisions on five different kinds of dedication which repeat, apply and implement central aspects of holiness. The arc of suspense in the law speech underlines God’s sovereignty and authority in the matter of holiness and uses them as motivation and evaluation for the devotion of the law recipient.

Chapter 27 is part of a larger structural entity which consists of the last three chapters (25 through 27) of Leviticus. While the single law speech of chapter 25 and 26 represents the concluding culmination of Leviticus, the separate but coordinated law speech of chapter 27, constitutes an epilogue to the book closure. In a double function, chapter 27 completes the book closure and finalizes through structural features and key words the whole book. 

— New Testament —

Mark Mills — An Analysis of the Clause Patterns in the Greek Text of 1 Peter with Reference to Information Structure

Abstract: The subject of Koine Greek word order commonly surfaces in scholarly discussions, being a frequent source of research and debate. These often concentrate on establishing the default arrangement of the Subject, Verb, and Object within a clause. Establishing the default order of clause constituents may have descriptive value for the language, but its contribution to the exegesis of the biblical texts is the greater concern for students of the NT. Toward this end NT scholars since the latter part of the 20th c. have incorporated insights from linguistics and discourse analysis into their theoretical models, proposing clause templates that describe...