First Class

Today, I had my first class (I have only one class on Mondays): Introduction to Biblical Greek, or to put it more succinctly, κοινή (koine, “common”) Greek, the language of the New Testament writers. This sort of Greek was the everyday language of the Greco-Roman period, which is why it was the ideal language for spreading the gospel throughout the Roman Empire.

My professor’s name is Keith Ganzer, a very lively and likable guy who gets very excited about what he teaches, which is always a plus. He sent us the syllabus via e-mail before the first class, asking us (but not requiring us) to do some advance preparation. I did the advance work, and it was helpful for the first day of class.

One great thing about preparing for this class is that I had already bought the books he listed over the summer (on the advice of a friend), so I had already reviewed the first four chapters. To some degree, I’m ahead, but I’m looking forward to the inevitable challenges as the term goes onward.

I wanted to take Greek because I had taken Hebrew in my undergraduate studies, and it was also recommended that I take a biblical language for my first term at Regent. Professor Ganzer also teaches Hebrew, and he emphasized that students should not just take Greek (as, he said, often happens in Christian schools). They should take both Greek and Hebrew, even if their concentration is on the New Testament, since the New Testament makes extensive use of quotes from the Old Testament.

Long story short: I’m thrilled to be taking Greek!

Here are my three other classes that I will be attending throughout this week:
1. History of Christianity I, with Prof. Sarah Williams
2. Christian Thought and Culture I, with Prof. Iain Provan
3. OT Foundations, with Prof. Iain Provan

As a language class, Greek is required, but the three I just listed are all core classes for MCS (Master of Christian Studies) students, so they recommend getting those out of the way first.

Hope everyone is doing great!

Εν Χριστω (“in Christ”),

Becca