Graduate Studies

98 total credits

• 66 credits to be completed at the Feinberg Center in Brooklyn, NY
• 32 credits to be taken at Talbot School of Theology’s main campus in La Mirada, CA

All courses will seek to provide the rich Jewish background of each area of study.

BE 517 Hermeneutics and Bible Study Methods

A study of principles for sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules and specialized principles for the various biblical genre and phenomena and the development of an exegetical method. Special attention will be given to Jewish methods of biblical analysis and Messianic interpretation. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

BE 519 Survey of Genesis-Malachi

A broad survey of the Old Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Jewish and traditional Christian views will be compared and contrasted for the purpose of broadening student understanding. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

BE 520 Survey of Matthew – Revelation

A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Particular emphasis placed on Jewish theological, historical and cultural background. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

BE 726 Expository Methodology in Daniel and Revelation

Application of expositional method to selected passages from Daniel and Revelation. Discussion of crucial background and critical issues, book structures, interpretive difficulties, practical implications and various approaches to understanding the text of each book. Emphasis will be placed on Messianic prophetic aspects of this material. Required of M.Div. program. Suggested elective for M.A. program. Prerequisite: TTBE 517.

HT 505 Patristic and Medieval Theology

History of the church from the Apostolic Fathers to the eve of the Reformation with an emphasis on the development of doctrine. Discussion of key thinkers, such as Origen, Tertullian, Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas and Scotus, and their impact upon Jewish relations with the Church. Required of M.Div. students.

HT 506 Reformation & Modern Theology

History of the church from the Reformation to the present with an emphasis on the key Continental and English Reformers, including Zwingli, Luther and Calvin. Discussion of the counter-Reformation, Protestant scholasticism, the Enlightenment, and important theological developments in the modern era, and their impact upon Jewish history. Opportunity is given for students to study the polity and history of their own denomination. Required of M.Div. students.

HT 604 Jewish History

History of the Jewish people from the return from the Babylonian Captivity to the Modern State of Israel. Emphasis will be placed on the events and significant personalities in the history of the chosen people during important periods of development such as the destruction of the Second Temple, the Golden Age of Islam, the Middle Ages, the Haskalah Enlightenment of the 18th Century, the Holocaust, and the Zionist Movement. Attention will be given to the relationship of the Jewish community to Christianity throughout the course.

NT 501 Beginning Greek I

An introductory study of the basic elements of New Testament Greek. Translation of portions of the New Testament in the second semester. Designed for students who have not completed a full sequence of beginning Greek courses. Not for credit in the M.Div. program unless the student takes in place of elective units.

NT 502 Beginning Greek II

An introductory study of the basic elements of New Testament Greek. Translation of portions of the New Testament in the second semester. Designed for students who have not completed a full sequence of beginning Greek courses. Not for credit in the M.Div. program unless the student takes in place of elective units.

NT 503 Introduction to Exegesis

A comprehensive survey of morphology and syntax, the building of a Greek vocabulary, an introduction to textual criticism, and the development of an exegetical methodology with reading in selected passages of the Greek New Testament. Designed to emphasize the value of Greek study as a tool for understanding the biblical text. Includes a required one hour non-credit lab. Prerequisite: TTNT 501-502. Required of M.Div. and M.A. (TTBE, TTNT, TTOT, TTTH) students.

NT 604 Exegesis of Gospels

Exegetical study of select passages from the Greek text of the gospels. Application of exegetical methodology and discussion of background issues, including historical backgrounds, composition, authorship, and distinctives of each book. Special attention given to assessment of modern critical methods for the interpretation of the biblical text. Prerequisite: TTNT 503. Required of M.Div. and M.A. (TTBE, TTNT) students.

NT 605 Exegesis in the Epistles and Acts

Exegetical study of select passages from the Greek text of the Epistles in the light of the historical framework of the book of Acts. Application of exegetical methodology and discussion of background issues, including historical backgrounds, composition, authorship, and distinctives of each book. Special attention given to assessment of modern critical methods for the interpretation of the biblical text. Prerequisite: TTNT 503. Required of M.Div. and M.A. (TTBE, TTNT) students.

NT 701 The World of the New Testament

New Testament historical backgrounds and archaeology, including a study of the religious developments, literature, geography, and cultural setting of Judaism and the Hellenistic world at the time of Christ and the early church. (See TST catalog).

OT 603 Elements of Hebrew I

Basic grammar with translation and written exercises. A non-credit lab will be required for all students. Required of M.Div. and M.A. (B.E., N.T. and O.T. emphasis) students.

OT 604 Elementary Hebrew II

Additional grammar and syntax with emphasis on reading and translation in selected biblical texts. A non-credit lab will be required for all students. Required of M.Div. and M.A. (B.E., N.T. and O.T. emphasis) students. Prerequisite: TTOT 603.

OT 607 Hebrew Exegesis I -Torah

(Replacing required course, OT 705 – Exegesis in Genesis and Selected Passages)

Course content includes readings and exegesis from the Hebrew text of the Torah (Pentateuch) with discussion of text criticism, background issues (historical and compositional), and exegetical methodology. Special attention is given to the Torah as the legal constitution of the Nation of Israel and its implications as the foundation for Jewish life. Study will include Jewish commentaries from ancient and modern sources.

OT 608 Hebrew Exegesis II – Neviim

Emphasis is placed upon the Hebrew language in the Prophets and the Writings, with special attention given to key prophetic and Messianic texts that identify the Messiah and His mission to Israel. Additional discussion will focus on the use of these texts in the New Testament. The character, extent, and personalities of the Hebrew prophetic scriptures will be studied along with principles for their interpretation.

OT609 Hebrew Exegesis III – Ketuvim

Emphasis is placed upon the Hebrew language in the Writings, or Hagiographa of the Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures. Special attention will be given to the characteristics and interpretation of Hebrew poetry and proverbs, along with the application of the wisdom literature of the Bible. Particular emphasis will also be given to texts that relate to the Messiah of Israel and His mission to Israel. Additional discussion will focus on the use of these texts in the New Testament. The character, extent, and authorship of this division of the Hebrew Scriptures will be studied along with principles for their interpretation.

OT 613 Rabbinic Literature – Readings in Mishnah and Talmud

Using the original Mishnaic Hebrew text, some Aramaic texts of the Talmud, and English translations of both, students will be introduced to this core literature, which shaped the thought and life of the Jewish community. The overall content of the sixty-three tractates of the Mishnah will be taught as well as the interrelatedness with the text of the New Testament. Attention will also be given to selected portions of Tosefta and Midrash. This course will assist students in acquiring knowledge of Jewish culture and history from the 3rd Century to the present through the study of the argumentation of the Talmud and the contemporary approaches to Talmudic literature.

PH 602 Apologetics

An examination of the Christian/Messianic world view and the various Christian apologetic responses in relation to the areas of history, science, and philosophy. Required for M.Div. and M.A. (T.H.) students. Elective for M.A.Ph. students.

PT 510 Evangelism and Follow-up

The biblical principles and practice of Jewish evangelism and discipleship. The class will seek to develop the skills of personal evangelism, determine strategies for a discipleship ministry. Required of M.Div., and M.A. (B/T.S. emphasis) student.

PT 602 Pastoral Ministries

A study of a congregation leader’s call, purpose, and role in ministry. Special attention will be given to providing Messianic leadership in worship, music, ordinances, weddings, funerals, and hospital and home visitation. Required of M.Div. (Pastoral and General Ministries, Christian Education).

PT 609 Expository Preaching

The process of preparation that results in sermons that are biblically accurate, easy to follow, interesting to listen to and relevant to contemporary needs. Required of M.Div. and M.A.(Min.) students. Prerequisite: M.Div. TTBE 517, TTNT 503; M.A. TTBE 517

PT 610 Contemporary Biblical Preaching

A study of factors leading to preaching effectiveness, including: creative preaching forms, speaker credibility, listener motivation, auditorium size and shape, filing systems and organizing the work week. Required of M.Div. (Pastoral and General Ministries; Evangelism and Discipleship). Prerequisite: TTPT 609.

PT 712 Ethics of the Fathers / Contemporary Issues

A study of the tractate of the Mishnah called Pirke Avot, the Ethics of the Fathers, with a view toward comparing these rabbinic teachings with the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Scriptures, the revelation of the New Testament within its framework of Jewish life and thought, and the issues of ethics in contemporary society. Attention will be given to the interrelatedness of this Jewish tradition with the biblical ethics incumbent upon Messianic Jewish congregations.

PT 723 Integration in Jewish Studies

Intended as a capstone seminar, this course will summarize and apply the primary lessons learned throughout the program in Jewish Studies. The integration of learning in this course is designed to better equip those entering or continuing in the field of Jewish ministry. Students will be expected to share the findings of their thesis research and/or field education with a view toward refinement and development of further investigation.

PT 730 Biblical Leadership and Management

The biblical basis for organizational management and leadership. Examination of the process of planning, organizing, leading and supporting from a biblical basis and made applicable to Messianic/Christian service and ministry. Required of M.Div. (Pastoral and General Ministries).

PT 591 Introduction to Field Education

Introduction into the practical elements of Jewish ministry. Emphasis will be placed on career planning, field experience and preparation for Field Education Internship in the M.Div. program. Required of M.Div. students.

PT 592 Field Education

Weekly involvement in Jewish ministry with satisfactory completion of student’s self-evaluation form and supervisor’s evaluation form. Required of M.Div. students. Prerequisite: TTPT 591.

PT 691 Field Education

Weekly involvement in Jewish ministry with satisfactory completion of student’s self-evaluation form and supervisor’s evaluation form. Required of M.Div. students. Prerequisite: TTPT 591, 592.

PT 692 Field Education

Weekly involvement in Jewish ministry with satisfactory completion of student’s self-evaluation form, supervisor’s evaluation form and sermon evaluation form. Required of M.Div. students. Prerequisite: TTPT 591, 592, 691.

PT 791 Field Internship

Integration of all the disciplines of Jewish ministry and seminary education. It provides supervised experience in various phases of Messianic/Christian ministry. One hundred hours of field experience each semester are evaluated in classroom interaction. Required of M.Div. (Pastoral and General Ministries, Evangelism and Discipleship, Marriage and Family) students. Prerequisites: TTPT 591, 592, 691, 692; completion of 48 hours of the M.Div. program.

PT 792 Field Internship

Integration of all the disciplines of Jewish ministry and seminary education. It provides supervised experience in various phases of Messianic/Christian ministry. One hundred hours of field experience each semester are evaluated in classroom interaction. Required of M.Div. (Pastoral and General Ministries, Evangelism and Discipleship, Marriage and Family) students. Prerequisites: TTPT 591, 592, 691, 692; completion of 48 hours of the M.Div. program.

SF 501 Introduction to Spiritual Formation and Theology

Introductory study of the nature of spiritual theology and formation, which attempts to understand the nature of new life in Christ, the process of formation in the Spirit and the directives for cooperating with His work. Attention is given to the implications of Spiritual Theology for seminary training and classroom experience. Particular attention is given to understanding the implications of life in Christ regarding guilt, shame and legalism as well as the New Covenant ministry of the Spirit in transforming the heart in light of the dynamics of original sin, early relational development and the habits of sin developed over time. Attention is also given to developmental spirituality, how the Spirit transforms the heart over time and how this affects ministries of teaching, preaching and discipleship in the church.

SF 503 Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation

A theological and experiential exploration into human relationships and issues related to gender, romance, marriage, family and parenting as they relate to spiritual growth. Course includes an investigation into the impact of personal and family history on theological outlook, emotional congruence, relational attractions and moral decisions. Several personal assessments as well as one or more therapy sessions are an integral part of this course. Spiritual community and intercessory prayer will be experienced as students enter relationship within the spiritual direction group to explore deeply their relational capacity at the heart of how Christ is formed in them, thereby developing deeper levels of trust and vulnerability. Prerequisite: TTSF 501. Notes: Required of all Talbot Students not in a Spiritual Formation academic program.

SS 510 Theological Research Methodologies

Research skills for use of library and theological reference works. Methods of theological writing with emphasis on critical thinking, persuasion and evaluation. Must be taken within the first 15 units of study. Required of all M.Div. and M.A. students, except MACE (see program director). Prerequisite: Passing score on Talbot Writing Proficiency Exam (TWPE), if required, or completion of TTSS 500 Theological Writing, if required, with a passing grade. Concurrent enrollment in TTSS 500 and TTSS 510 not allowed.

TH 511 Theology I – Revelation & Nature of God

The nature, method and rationale of Christian theology. Revelation, both general and special, inspiration, canonicity and illumination of Scripture. The doctrine of God, including His existence, attributes and Trinitarian nature. Jewish understanding of above topics will be compared and contrasted with evangelical perspectives. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

TH 512 Theology II – Works of God, Angels, Man and Sin

God’s eternal plan including His kingdom purpose and redemptive focus; His work of creation and continued activity within creation. The angels, both good and evil; including their origin, present state, work and destiny. Creation of mankind in God’s image, human nature, the fall and the effect of sin upon humanity. Human life in relation to the divine institutions of the family and civil government. Special emphasis on placing the above within a Messianic understanding of God’s unfolding will for creation. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

TH 613 Theology III Messiah/Salvation/Spirit

The person and saving work of Messiah. The nature and application of salvation including the person and work of the Spirit. Special emphasis on the practice of sanctification in personal living as Messiah’s followers. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

TH 614 Theology IV – The Church and the Last Things

A study of the broad kingdom purpose of God and the future events related to the destiny of history and individuals including Messiah’s second coming in its phases, the millennial reign of Messiah, the resurrections, the judgments and eternal state. The inception and nature of the church, both as a living organism and an organization, its function, ordinances, place and mission in God’s purpose. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

TH 620 Rabbinic Theology

Students will examine the history and theology of the four major branches of Rabbinic Judaism (Reformed, Conservative, Orthodox, and Hasidism), as well as other forms of Jewish contemporary thought. A systematic treatment of Jewish theology will include discussion of Judaism’s understanding of God, Scripture, Man, Salvation, and Eschatology and a Messianic response to them.

TH 622 Theology of the Siddur

A comprehensive study of the traditional daily Jewish prayer book as a significant source of Jewish theology. The Jewish people throughout the world use the Siddur for personal and corporate worship, and it has become a collection of rabbinic thought in prayers and reflections from the Second Temple period to the present. Attention will be given to the Biblical foundations as well as the non-biblical developments through the centuries and a consideration of the above from a Messianic perspective.