School of Biblical Studies

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O. Herbert Hirt, Ph.D., Dean

Professor Emeritus

Julius C. Bosco, Th.M. 

Professor

Paul N. Benware, Th.D.
Richard D. Emmons, Ph.D.
David C. Hard, Ph.D.
G. Robert Kilgore, D.Miss.
John R. Master, Th.D.
Gary E. Schnittjer, Ph.D.
Brian G. Toews, Ph.D.
Robert E. Wenger, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

G. Thompson Allen, Th.M.
Eddy D. Field, III, Th.M.
Edgar B. Hardesty, Th.M.
William L. Krewson, S.T.M.

Assistant Professor

John S. Oliff, Th.M.

Part-time Faculty

Raymond Thomas, Ph.D.

Adjunct Faculty

Victor Jacobs, Ph.D.

One of the important distinctives of a biblical university is its emphasis on the study of the Scriptures, both by books and by doctrines. It has been the long-standing practice of Philadelphia Biblical University to excel in Bible education; therefore, a specially designed program of at least 45 credits of Bible, doctrine, and church history is required for a baccalaureate degree.

A world-renowned preacher from Philadelphia once said, “If I only had three years to serve the Lord, I would spend two years preparing.” Jesus waited until he was 30 years old in preparation for His ministry. Being prepared as a Christian is vitally important. A key aspect of preparation is training in the Scriptures. God commands believers to be diligent in the study, understanding, and application of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 2:15). The goal in the School of Biblical Studies is to carefully educate students in the Scriptures so that they become biblically minded, as well as ministry-minded, men and women of Christlike character. The world today desperately needs leaders who are Christ-centered and Bible-anchored in the whole counsel of God.

The foundational course for the study of the Bible is Biblical Introduction, which provides an overview of the Bible, Bible study methodology, and hermeneutics.

Bible exposition totals 27 credits. Every book of the Bible is considered in its historical and biblical context and its relationship to the other books of the Bible.

The School also provides the student with a systematic study of the essential doctrines of Christianity as revealed in the Bible, thereby providing a thorough grounding in Bible doctrine as the basis for Christian ministry. There are three required courses that total nine credits. Emphasis is placed on the theology of Dispensationalism, which is the basis of the doctrinal position of the University. Contrary views are also studied along with apologetic answers.

Moreover, Church History is included in the curriculum. Church History I studies the Book of Acts and the early church to A.D. 590. A second course studies church history from A.D. 590 to the present. Six credits in church history are required.

In addition to these requirements, most programs require two elective courses, one in Bible and one in doctrine. A number of electives are offered and the student may choose from these. Electives are to be taken in the last two years of a student’s matriculation.

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