The doctoral program in Biblical & Theological Studies began in 2002 with the establishment of fully endowed doctoral fellowships. Hear what alumni are saying about their time here at Wheaton College.

Chee-Chiew Lee, Ph.D. 2010

Recipient of the Hansen Endowed Fellowship

Lecturer in New Testament

School of Theology, Chinese

Singapore Bible College, Singapore

My dissertation, “The Blessing of Abraham and the Promise of the Spirit: The Influence of the Prophets on Paul in Galatians 3:1–14” (supervised by Dr. Douglas Moo), investigates the relationship between the blessing of Abraham and the Spirit in Gal 3:1–14 and its significance for reading Galatians and Paul’s doctrine of justification. This study shows that, in accordance with the prophetic tradition regarding the Spirit, Paul understands the Spirit as the evidence of receiving the blessing of Abraham and the means of perpetuating the blessing. This interpretation sheds light on the integral connection between the “doctrinal” and “ethical” sections of the letter to the Galatians (Galatians 1–4 and 5–6). The former sets forth the principle of justification by faith with the reception of the Spirit as the evidence of justification. The latter elucidates how believers must rely on the Spirit of Christ by faith, because it is by the Spirit’s work in the believer’s life that the status of justification is maintained and guaranteed for final vindication.

My learning experience at Wheaton has been rich and fruitful in many ways. Wheaton College’s Ph.D. program brings together a unique combination of interdisciplinary studies, rigorous scholarship, and a deep concern for the edification of the church through biblical studies and theological reflection. It has been a privilege for me to work with and learn from the faculty, who are both fine scholars and godly individuals. All these have been essential in shaping me to be a more effective theological educator in the Majority World. I especially appreciate the opportunity to commence dissertation work at the beginning of the program, which is an important factor for me to complete the program in good time. I am also grateful for the tuition scholarship and fellowship stipend, which contributed significantly to making my doctoral studies a reality. As I return to Singapore, my home country, to serve, fond memories of my time of learning and spiritual growth with the faculty, the staff, and fellow students at Wheaton will always move me to give thanks.

Jerry Hwang, Ph.D. 2009

Recipient of the Eugene and Margaret Logan Fellowship

Lecturer in Old Testament, Singapore Bible College, Singapore

My dissertation was entitled "The Rhetoric of Remembrance: An Exegetical and Theological Investigation into the 'Fathers' in Deuteronomy," supervised by Dr. Daniel Block. This study addresses one of the more vexing questions in recent Old Testament scholarship: From the narrative perspective of the plains of Moab, are Israel's "fathers" the patriarchs of Genesis (e.g., 1:8), or the first exodus generation that Yahweh delivered from Egypt (e.g., 30:5) ? Redaction critics have typically viewed the apparently conflicting referents for Deuteronomy's "fathers" as evidence of multiple, imperfectly blended tradition layers. In response, I argue that the so-called Generationswechsel is an intentional literary device that blends various generations of the "fathers" with the current audience of "you" in a theologically charged vision of corporate solidarity. While using traditional historical-critical tools such as redaction criticism, I attempt to reframe the scholarly discussion by drawing on insights gleaned from newer interpretive methods such as "new literary criticism" and speech-act theory.

Wheaton provided an ideal environment to undertake my doctoral research and broaden my academic horizons. Though I was an Old Testament student, the interdisciplinary nature of the program also equipped me in the disciplines of New Testament and theology in order to minister effectively in the Majority World. The fellowship that I enjoyed with mentors and fellow students has been a model for how theological education must be -- a place where one experiences, in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's terms, the hermeneutical "turn from the phraseological to the real." In addition, the provision of the Wheaton PhD fellowship allowed me the unhurried time for contemplation, reading, and writing that a scholar-in-training needs. I am extremely grateful for how Wheaton offered a unique blend of rigorous academics, financial provision, and missional engagement during my three years of study here.

Stefanos Mihalios, Ph.D. 2009

Recipient of the Dr. and Mrs. H Wilbert, Jr, Fellowship
Professor of New Testament, Greek Bible Institute, Greece

My dissertation was entitled “The Danielic Eschatological Hour in the Johannine Literature” supervised by Dr. G. K. Beale. In this research, I examine the uses of hour in the writings of John and argue for the existence of an allusion to the Danielic eschatological hour. The book of Daniel (Old Greek) is the only place in the Greek Old Testament where the notion of eschatological hour exists. The proposed connection illuminates the contribution of Danielic eschatology to John’s concept of the hour. Jesus has used the word hour to argue that the final hour of tribulation and resurrection as it is depicted in Daniel has arrived. Jesus’ death on the cross initiates the end-time affliction, both for him and the disciples; although God’s ultimate purpose is to lead his people to life.

I deeply appreciate the learning opportunities I received in the Ph.D. program at Wheaton College. During my studies here, I had the privilege to learn from well-informed scholars on different areas of study, who constantly exhorted me to excel. I can say with confidence that they have tremendously impacted my scholarly formation. The emphasis of the program on the integration of knowledge (epistēmē), applied to biblical-theological studies, has ideally prepared me for work in Greece—a culture that values the synthesis of various disciplines and holistic understanding of the world. In addition, the program’s successful combination of faith and critical thinking serves best for the employment of theological knowledge in the Church. Theological knowledge should not be pursued as an end in itself, but rather as an instrument for attaining eternal goals within God’s kingdom.

Peter Spychalla, Ph.D. 2008

Recipient of the Robert and Mary Gamble Hewitt Fellowship

Lecturer in Greek and New Testament, Urbana Theological Seminary

My dissertation, “The Use of the Old Testament in 1 Corinthians 10:4: Paul’s Combining of the Water-from-Rock and YHWH-as-Rock Motifs,” supervised by Dr. G. K. Beale, investigated backgrounds to Paul’s remarkable assertion that the Israelites in the wilderness “drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and the rock was Christ” (1 Cor 10:4). I argued that Paul’s characterization of Christ as the divine rock, YHWH, is enabled by Christological monotheism, wherein Paul understands Christ to be YHWH and thereby can transfer OT images for YHWH, such as divine “rock,” to Christ. Further, Paul’s juxtaposition of reference to physical rock upon which YHWH acted and reference to the divine rock in 1 Cor 10:4 is facilitated by (a) the presence of both the water-from-rock motif and the YHWH-as-rock motif in two influential backgrounds (Deuteronomy; Psalm 78) for 1 Cor 10:1–22; (b) a conceptual analogy between physical realities pertaining to physical rock and theological realities pertaining to the divine rock, YHWH; and (c) an analogy between the provision of water from rock to Israel in the wilderness and the Lord’s Supper in 1 Cor 10:1–22.

I appreciate the distinctives of the Wheaton Ph.D. program. It emphases interdisciplinary integration: both Old and New Testaments, both theological and biblical disciplines, and both academy and church. Its world-class faculty, not only lead in creative scholarship, but wed vibrant faith to their academic rigor. It was very advantageous to engage in dissertation research from the start of the program while being fully supported by an endowed doctoral fellowship. I am thankful for the opportunity to study at Wheaton, which has equipped me for a life of service in the academy, the church, and the world.

Barry Jones, Ph.D. 2008

Recipient of the Betty Burtness Knoedler Fellowship
Assistant Professor of Spiritual Formation and Leadership, Dallas Theological Seminary

My dissertation was entitled "The Spirit's Witness: A Historical and Theological Examination of the testimonium spiritus sancti internum" (supervised by Dr. Stephen Spencer.). In it I explored the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the self-communicative action of the triune God by examining the New Testament theme of the Spirit as one who "testifies" or "bears witness." This theme contributed significantly to the theology of the Reformers in their sixteenth century conflict with Rome, but over time it came to be displaced by other considerations. My aim was to provide a historical orientation to this topic while also pointing toward the importance of this dimension of the Spirit's work for contemporary evangelical theology.

The Ph.D. program at Wheaton College provided the opportunity for me to pursue my academic goals with a close-knit community of students who stimulate and encourage one another through all the challenges of doctoral study and an outstanding faculty who provide admirable models of rigorous scholarship and Christian virtue. My engagement with these people in this learning environment shaped both my character and my competence as a Christian scholar. For that I am deeply grateful.

Heiko Wenzel, Ph.D. 2008

Recipient of the Hansen Endowed Fellowship

Lecturer in Old Testament, Freie Theologische Akademie; Giessen, Germany

My dissertation "Reading Zechariah with Zechariah 1:1-6 as the Introduction to the Entire Book" (supervised by Dr. Andrew Hill) draws on the literary insights of the Russian philosopher Mikhail M. Bakhtin, who argues that all words are a response and anticipate a response. The case studies that I present from Zechariah resonate with Bakhtin's thesis. The call for Israel

to repentance and to a behavior different from that of their ancestors sounds throughout the book. We can observe in Zechariah's call a response to previous Scripture and an anticipation of further revelation. The book of Zechariah, I thus argue, is both a response to the audience's past unfaithfulness and a call for their future faithfulness.

Though far from my native Germany, my time in Wheaton was an immeasurably enriching experience on many levels. The academic insights of scholars from various departments along with their willingness to engage other points of view greatly influenced my dissertation project. The value of such an interdisciplinary opportunity to interact with faculty inside and outside the classroom cannot be overestimated. It provided me with models for living, researching, and teaching in the service of Christ and his kingdom. To fellowship with and study alongside of wonderfully bright and dedicated Ph.D. colleagues was likewise stimulating and formative. Iron truly sharpened iron. Most important of all, however, was the unfailing help and encouragement of faculty, peers, and staff at Wheaton College. I will be forever thankful for this infrastructure of support to both me and my family during our time in Wheaton and while far from home.

Benjamin Gladd, Ph.D. 2008

Recipient of the Robert and Mary Gamble Hewitt Fellowship

Adjunct Assistant Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College

My dissertation, "Revealing the MYSTERION: The Use of Mystery in Daniel and Early Judaism with Its Bearing on First Corinthians" (Walter de Gruyter) supervised by Dr. G. K. Beale, attempts to further develop the term "mystery." Scholars have long recognized that this word is a technical term, originating from the book of Daniel. Simply put, mystery constitutes a revelation of God's hidden eschatological wisdom. After articulating the term in Daniel, I then trace the word in the Dead Sea Scrolls and other sectors of Judaism. My project then examines how mystery functions within Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians, and seeks to explain why the term is often employed. Of particular interest is the polemical nature of the term in 1 Cor 1-2 that may reflect its narratival use in Daniel; God's wisdom is superior to the wisdom of the "wise men" of Babylon. Particularly, "mystery" seems to be linked to Paul's overall concern of unity within the Corinthian community. The divided Corinthian community must rally around mystery of the cross and embrace a cruciform lifestyle.

My choice to attend Wheaton College was borne out of a concern for a strong evangelical commitment to Scripture and a firm belief in the unity of the Bible. I particularly admired Wheaton's emphasis on researching rather than an inordinate amount of class work. Also, the program promotes a close, personal relationship between the students and mentors. This enables students to observe first hand the intricacies and duties of a professor. But more importantly, students are in a marvelous position to be mentored and discipled by godly individuals. Lastly, friendships and daily interaction with fellow students greatly enrich the doctoral program, making my stint all the more enjoyable. Thanks to Wheaton, I am now adequately prepared to work in some capacity in higher education or ministry.

Michael Allen, Ph.D. 2007

Recipient of the Timothy Phillips Memorial Fellowship

Assistant Professor of Theology, Knox Theological Seminary

My dissertation was entitled "The Faithful One: A Dogmatic Account of the Coherence and Necessity of the Christ's Faith" (T&T Clark)--supervised by Dr. Stephen Spencer. I argued that an adequate account of the person and work of Christ will affirm that Jesus exercised faith, relating this oft-ignored facet of Christology to anthropology, soteriology, and ethics. I showed that the practice of human faith is both coherent with the theological metaphysics of orthodox Christology and necessary within the parameters of Reformation soteriology. My primary conversation partners were Thomas Aquinas, the federal theologians of the Reformed tradition, and Karl Barth. My hope is that a careful dogmatic account of this issue will serve the church's reflection upon and witness to Jesus, to be sure, but also will aid continuing conversations within New Testament studies regarding the debated phrase occurring several times in the Pauline corpus: "the faith of Christ." The dissertation will be published shortly under the title The Christ's Faith: A Dogmatic Account, in the new series T. & T. Clark Studies in Systematic Theology.

Why choose Wheaton for Ph.D. studies in theology and biblical studies? The interdisciplinary nature of the Wheaton Ph.D. is its raison d'être, and I have found that this emphasis will forever shape my approach to theological studies. As a theologian, I am glad to have been trained by fine systematicians and historians, to be sure, but also by theologically-bent biblical scholars. Even greater is the interaction with fellow students who share passion and concern for theological education and biblical faithfulness, and whose talents and backgrounds enrich one's own formation. Also, to finish a high-caliber Ph.D. in three years and to do so debt-free is a phenomenal opportunity not to be overlooked. For these and many other blessings, I am grateful for my own training here at Wheaton.

Matthew S. Harmon, Ph.D. 2006

Recipient of the Dr. Kenneth Kantzer Fellowship established by the class of 1953

Associate Professor of New Testament Studies, Grace Theological Seminary

My dissertation was entitled "She Must and Shall Go Free: Paul's Isaianic Gospel in Galatians" (forthcoming, Walter de Gruyter) and was supervised by Dr. Douglas Moo. I explored how Paul's reading of Isaiah (esp. chs. 49-54) shaped his argument and theology in Galatians. The joy of this dissertation was the opportunity to blend several of my research interests (OT in NT, biblical theology, Pauline studies).

My three years in the Wheaton Ph.D. program were a rich blend of spiritual growth, academic challenge and learning in community. The reduced course work combined with an immediate emphasis on dissertation research expanded both the breadth and depth of my knowledge not only in my specialty of New Testament, but across the span of theological disciplines. The constant interaction with world-class faculty and my fellow students in the program deepened my understanding of God, His purposes in the world and how the academy can serve the church in advancing Christ's kingdom. If you are looking for a Ph.D. program that will prepare you for a lifetime of ministry within the academy and the church, I can think of no better place than Wheaton.

Chris A. Vlachos, Ph.D. 2006

Recipient of the Clarence and Ruth Sallberg Fellowship

Ph.D. Program Administrator

Adjunct Assistant Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College

My dissertation was entitled "Law and Sin: An Edenic Nexus? A Study with Reference to 1 Corinthians 15:56 and the Catalytic Operation of the Law" (Wipf & Stock Publishers)--supervised by Dr. Douglas Moo. In it I argue that the Genesis Fall narrative provides the theological substructure to Paul's axiom in 1 Cor 15:56: "the power of sin is the law." By locating a law-sin nexus as far back as Eden, Paul, I contend, reaches the historical high water mark of his polemic against the salvific efficacy of the law. Even in Paradise the law did not promote life. To the contrary, the commandment became the occasion through which sin and death gained entry into the world.

I entered the Ph.D. program at Wheaton after serving for almost twenty years in the pastorate in Utah. It wasn't easy after all those years of frontier ministry to move from a place where I had learned much to face new perspectives and paradigm shifts about which I knew little. Yet, the decision to exchange the pulpit for the classroom and to commit myself to what I knew would be a rigorous upgrade was motivated by the recognition that with the front-line experiences granted me by God, I could best serve at this season of life by stepping off the pastoral field to help instruct those who are about to take the field. For this I would need further education, and for the sake of those whom I would teach, I would seek the best education. I found this education at Wheaton College.

Chris Beetham, Ph.D. 2005

Recipient of the Eugene and Margaret Logan Fellowship

Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Evangelical Theological College; Ethiopia

Assistant Professor of New Testament Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology

My dissertation was entitled, "Echoes of Scripture in the Letter of Paul to the Colossians" (Brill Publishers) supervised by Dr. G. K. Beale. In the dissertation, I attempt to plow new ground in definitions and methodology in the search for allusions and echoes of the Old Testament in the New, applying my approach to Paul's letter to the Colossians. I argue that Paul echoed or alluded to the OT in his letter eleven times, and seek to explain how the presence of each OT allusion or echo functions in its new context. The overall ramifications of the investigation are also suggestive. First, Paul hits repeatedly upon the theme of new creation in his letter. Second, the "philosophy" ( Col 2:8) that Paul attacks appears to be a strand of Hellenistic Judaism that emphasized wisdom and ascetic rigor for apocalyptic and ecstatic visionary heavenly ascent. In Paul's opinion, this teaching dangerously diverted attention from the preeminence and supremacy of Christ and therefore from faithfulness to him.

Why did I apply to the Wheaton Ph.D. program? Dissatisfied with the increasingly atomistic specialization within biblical studies, as well as with the discipline's overall refusal to help and serve the Church with all its urgent needs, I found Wheaton's program in Biblical Theology to be a breath of fresh air. Wheaton's program has been intentionally created to be done by those within the Church, for the Church. The combination of excellent faculty, immediate dissertation research, choice seminars, and the opportunity to work closely with a seasoned personal mentor, makes for an incredible program that can still be finished in three years. Further, the program intentionally emphasizes synthesis of disciplines (e.g., seeking to relate the two testaments), yet remains rigorous (forcing students not only to know their own discipline, but also to do work outside their stated area of expertise).