Academic Paper
A seminar paper, originally delivered as President of the Wesleyan Theological Society in April 1987 and subsequently published in the Wesleyan Theological Journal, exploring the hermeneutical challenges of preaching the Wesleyan message of holiness. Carver discusses his personal transition from a Methodist/Holiness background to academic New Testament studies, expressing concern over 'holiness hermeneutics' that may manipulate biblical texts. He proposes a foundational presupposition that 'holiness' can be understood as 'integrity,' arguing that biblical holiness involves both a relation of exclusive allegiance to God and a response in life to His revealed moral character. The text also touches upon the necessity of biblical primacy in Wesleyan identity and begins to address the use of the language of the holy in the Old and New Testaments.
Galatians 2:20 · 1 John
Lecture
A lecture transcript or course chapter discussing contemporary Christology. The text emphasizes a 'dialogical' approach to theology, arguing that Christology should not be a purely theoretical academic exercise but a response to the 'present Christ' within the context of worship and confession. The author references Dietrich Bonhoeffer's focus on the 'Who?' question and uses Charles Wesley's hymns to illustrate the link between dogmatics and doxology. The document provides a summary of previous studies, tracing the development from the 'historical Jesus' research (the first and second quests) to the 'third quest,' specifically noting N.T. Wright's work on Jesus within the context of Israel's story and the historical credibility of the resurrection.
Matthew 4:4 · Matthew 28:20 · Galatians 1:4
Book Chapter
A draft commentary or study guide focusing on the greeting and opening of 1 Peter (1:1-2). The document provides a 'Behind the Text' analysis of the names associated with the apostle Peter (Simon, Peter, and Cephas), discussing their linguistic origins in Aramaic and Greek and their usage in the New Testament. The 'In the Text' section examines Peter's self-identification as 'an apostle of Jesus Christ,' analyzing the meaning of 'apostle' as a commissioned messenger and comparing Peter's lack of defensive self-justification to the style used in the Pauline epistles. The text also touches upon the nature of authority derived from Christ and concludes with a brief discussion on the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification and the believer's obedience.
1 Peter 1:1-2 · Matthew 16:13-16 · Mark 8:27-30
Book Chapter
This document contains editorial revisions and suggestions for a commentary or study text focusing on the greeting in 1 Peter 1:1-2. The text discusses the etymology and usage of the names Simon, Peter, and Cephas, noting the transition from Aramaic to Greek nomenclature. It provides an analysis of Peter's self-identification as 'an apostle of Jesus Christ,' comparing his lack of self-justification to the Pauline epistles. The text also explores the definition of 'apostle' as one sent with authority and concludes with a theological discussion on the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification and the believer's obedience, referencing Wesley and Wynkoop.
1 Peter 1:1-2 · Matthew 16:13-16 · Mark 8:27-30
Lecture
An instructional guide for conducting an exegesis of a Pauline passage, specifically using Romans 12:1-2 as a working example. The document outlines a multi-stage methodology for biblical interpretation, including quoting standard English versions, analyzing literary genre and historical setting, determining literary placement and role within the book, constructing structural and form analyses, performing detailed interpretation of syntax and literary devices, and synthesizing the theological intention and contemporary witness of the text. The guide also provides specific instructions on bibliography requirements (Turabian style), source selection, and stylistic formatting.
Romans 12:1-2 · Mark 1:29-31 · Galatians 5:13-15
Lecture 2004
A lecture transcript by Bruce McCormack, Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, delivered to a class taught by Sam Powell on November 19, 2004. The lecture, titled 'Called unto Holiness: The Doctrine of Sanctification,' explores the definition of sanctification as the transformative work of the Holy Spirit to destroy the dominion of sin. Drawing on Karl Barth's 1919 commentary on Romans, McCormack describes the 'sin nature' as a state of autonomy and alienation from God and others resulting from the Fall. The text discusses the transition from a 'being-with' to a 'being-over-against' God and others, and posits that sanctification involves the overcoming of this 'old self' to create a redeemed self.
Hebrews 12:14 · Galatians 5:16-18 · Ephesians 2:3
Article
An article discussing the relevance of biblical interpretation within a Wesleyan context, specifically addressing the challenges posed by postmodernism and certain evangelical traditions. The author outlines the necessity of a Wesleyan hermeneutic and examines John Wesley's approach to Scripture as presented in his 'Preface to Sermons,' emphasizing themes of humility, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the primacy of love. The text also begins to outline foundational principles of biblical authority, describing the Scriptures as both 'incarnational' and 'christological.'
Romans 1:1 · Galatians 2:20
Bible Study 2011
This document is an adaptation of an essay and workshop presentation originally prepared for the February 2011 Northwest Nazarene University Wesleyan Center Conference, titled 'The Bible Tells Me So.' The author explores theological themes in 2 Corinthians, specifically focusing on the 'Pauline gospel' in contrast to other interpretations of Jesus. The work is structured around a '10 and 5' format: ten theological or homiletical points to include in a sermon series and five things to avoid. The text discusses the tension between biblical authority, the influence of Enlightenment-era historical criticism, and the Wesleyan approach to Scripture. The introduction emphasizes Paul's use of Old Testament scripture to shape his theology and his passionate concern for the integrity of the gospel within the Corinthian church.
2 Corinthians · 1 Corinthians 15:3 · 2 Corinthians 11:4
Book Chapter
An essay by Frank G. Carver exploring the theological themes of 2 Corinthians, focusing on Paul's use of Old Testament Scripture and his Spirit-led hermeneutic. Carver examines how Paul interprets the Law and the Prophets through the lens of the new covenant in Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of the Spirit and the interconnectedness of Scripture and the community of faith. The document includes a hymn-like poem regarding the cross and references various theological perspectives, including those of Wesley, Richard Hays, and Joachim Jeremias.
2 Corinthians 1:1 · 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 · 2 Corinthians 5:17
Article
This article, part of a seven-lesson series titled 'Our Hymnic Heritage,' provides a biographical study of Charles Wesley (1707-1788). The author examines Wesley's role as a prolific hymnist, his education at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford, and his involvement in the Holy Club. The text details his spiritual conversion in May 1738, influenced by Martin Luther's commentary on Galatians 2:20, and discusses his itinerant evangelism in Bristol and London. The author also compares Charles's ministry and theological emphasis on 'faith alone' with that of his brother, John Wesley.
Galatians 2:20 · Romans