THEOLOGY AND MISSIONS

2 Peter 1:16-18: Peter’s Reception and Use of the Transfiguration (O)

Presenter: Jessica Bogle

Faculty Project Advisor: Matthew Albanese

In this paper, I explore how Peter receives the transfiguration, specifically in relation to the Gospel of Matthew (Matt 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36). I chose this account because of the similarity in the voice’s words and it being the fullest account. I also analyze noteworthy contrasts between the Synoptic Gospel accounts and explore the Old Testament references (Deut 18:15-19; Ps 2:1-12; Isa 42:1-9). The glory of Christ is displayed in all the Synoptic Gospels, and Peter leans into that by referencing the “Majestic Glory” (2 Pet 1:17). These accounts present Christ as the eschatological king, and Peter specifically uses this to rebuke false teachers within the church. Peter emphasizes the truth of his teaching and his authority as an apostle by reminding the church that he was witness to Christ’s unmatchable glory and power, which confirms Christ as the one who fulfills the scriptures

Galatians 3:13 and the History of Crucifixion (O)

Presenter: Gabrielle Berry

Faculty Project Advisor: Mark Dubis

This presentation offers and exegesis of Galatians 3:13, part of which states, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.” This is a quote from Deuteronomy 21:22-23, which Paul applies to the crucifixion of Jesus. This statement is part of a larger argument where Paul shows that righteousness is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is only possible because Jesus took the curse of mankind’s disobedience to God upon himself. However, some think this quote is misapplied because crucifixion was not yet invented at the time of the writing of Deuteronomy 21:22-23. This presentation will give an overview of the history of crucifixion and explain how Paul rightly applied Deuteronomy 21:22-23 to Jesus’ crucifixion.

A Historical Commentary on Romans 13:1–7: How Christians Should Interact with the Government (O)

Presenter: Nicholas Bitterling

Faculty Project Advisor: Mark Dubis

One of the longest-lasting and most difficult debates in both political science and theology is the problem of the relationship between church and state. In Romans 13:17, Paul explains the purpose of government and exhorts subjection to it. Common questions regarding Paul’s exhortation in this passage and its implications for both governmental actors and Christians include: “What is the scope/limits of the government?”, “When is subjection to the government no longer necessary/obligatory?”, and “What is the purpose/telos of the government?” In search of the answers to these questions, this research is a survey of Christian political thought presented via the examination of the beliefs of six Christian thinkers from the ancient to modern era. I first look at various passages from St. Augustine, St. Aquinas, John Calvin, Abraham Kuyper, Karl Barth, and John Howard Yoder, with particular attention to their commentaries on Romans but without overlooking their broader work. Then, I compare the views of these six Christian thinkers and determine the validity of their various positions through a conclusive exegetical commentary of the Greek text of Romans 13:1-7. Each thinker brings a unique perspective to the discussion and their contributions have valuable lessons for the modern reader. Based on their contributions, I present a constructed framework for Christian relationships with the government which is focused on exhortation to the Christian rather than the authorities themselves. This is because in Romans 13:1-7, Paul addresses the church in Rome rather than the governmental authorities, and a proper interpretation of the passage must keep the original audience in mind. n