*  gain competence in discovering the “story behind” the text, which is the primary task of exegesis. By means of textual, structural, historical-cultural, and rhetorical analysis, the student will be able to “inhabit the text”—as much as possible—in order to interpret it.

*  understand and experience the process of exegesis by being exposed to the analysis of selected passages in class as well as personal practice through exercises outside class.
*  use his/her knowledge of Greek to gain a more accurate understanding of the meaning of the text.

*  evaluate the claims made, by oneself and others, regarding Acts and the General Epistles, critically examining their basis in preconception, deduction, and verifiable fact.

*  learn to apply the knowledge gained from these texts to personal life, the life of the church, and preaching.