Report From A Week of Teaching

At Northern Seminary, August 18-24, 2025

Report: A Week at Northern Seminary

Every year I eagerly look forward to a week together in Chicagoland for the summer intensive at Northern Seminary (usually in late August). This year was fantastic! I taught NT 406, New Testament in Ancient Context. I usually teach through a book (often Philippians) and we focus on historical, social, cultural, and religious context. We prayed together, laughed, worshipped, had deep discussions, and ate good food. That’s what Northern Seminary is all about! We have a great geographic mix of people, diversity of thought and denominations, and we talked about how our women students in ministry and pursuing ministry feel safe, valued, and affirmed in our community. That’s a big deal for Northern and I am glad we have fostered a supportive environment.

Textbooks

Our main commentary resource was Jeannine Brown’s excellent and concise Tyndale volume. Second year in a row I have used this and most students really dig it.

For Roman context, you can’t beat Bruce Longenecker’s fine work. Beautifully produced by Baker Academic.

And for Jewish context, students referred to EDEJ—state of the discipline.

Faculty Retreat

This time of year we also have dedicated faculty time together. We do some “business” in our faculty retreat time, but the most important thing is spending time together and sharing about our families and what God has been doing in our lives, supporting each other, and laughing and having fun. I am especially thankful for Dean Mike Moore and Madam President Joy Moore (no relation!).

I am overjoyed whenever I see a picture of the faculty, because to a person these are amazing folks. Brilliant—obviously, but also humble, kind, compassionate, professional, and focused on embodying a benevolent, holy, and beautiful kingdom of God in the name of Jesus Christ. What. A. Gift.

While I was in town in Chicagoland, I got to visit with my Northern colleagues (pictured here), and also other folks I know in the area from IVP, Wheaton, and Zondervan.

If you are interested in studying at Northern Seminary, send me an email or message me on social media, I’d love to see you in class this year!