The Aquila Institute

New Testament Backgrounds with Michael DeBusk

In this engaging and exciting conversation, David and Stephen discuss the historical, cultural, and theological background of the New Testament. We discuss the political makeup of the New Testament world, the different Jewish communities mentioned in the Gospels, the community dynamics of the early church, and much more.
 
Dr. Michael DeBusk is the pastor of the Internationale Gemeinde Köln, which is a daughter church of IBC Cologne. He and his wife Ginger and their three kids have been a part of the church for several years. Michael is originally from Tennessee, USA and earned both his masters and his doctorate degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has lived several years in the Middle East and now several years in Germany.
 
Resources on New Testament Backgrounds:
Burge, Gary M., and Gene L. Green. The New Testament in Antiquity: A Survey of the New Testament within Its Cultural Contexts. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020.
Carson, D. A., and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.
Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003.
Green, Joel B., and Lee Martin McDonald, eds. The World of the New Testament: Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013.
Jeffers, James S. The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era: Exploring the Background of Early Christianity. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999.
Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. 2nd ed. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014.
Lea, Thomas D., and David Alan Black. The New Testament: Its Background and Message. 2nd ed. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2003.
Richards, E. Randolph, and Brandon J. O’Brien. Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2012.
Scott Jr., J. Julius. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1995.
Wright, N. T., and Michael F. Bird. The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2019.

The Acts of the Apostles with David Martin

In this episode Stephen interviews David for our series on the books of the New Testament. This time they are talking about The Acts of the Apostles. The listener will be blessed to hear a helpful overview of the book as well as hear practical tips for how to read this amazing book well. 
 
David Martin is a fourth generation pastor from Laramie, Wyoming. He has a BA from the university of Wyoming in History, and both an MTS and a D. Min. from Gateway Seminary. David was the lead pastor at the International Baptist Church of Bonn from 2013-2024. He was the planting pastor of my church IBC Bonn. He is still an elder at IBC Cologne, but has now been sent by that church to Aachen to plant an international church there. As if that wasn’t enough, David is one of the founders and is now the Managing Director at Aquila Initiative, and he is the Chief Publisher at Prisca Publishing. He and his wife Kristen have 5 kids between the ages of 18 to 10. 
 
Click on the following link to go to Stephen's timeline of the New Testament based on the book of Acts.
https://www.academia.edu/7098961/A_Biblical_Chronology_of_the_Life_and_Ministry_of_Paul_A_Chart_

The Gospel of John with Doug Bookman

In this episode, Stephen and David interview Dr. Doug Bookman about the Gospel of John. In this wide-ranging episode, Dr. Bookman gives a masterclass on the New Testament gospel tradition as well as an in-depth look at the purpose and message of the Gospel of John.
 
Dr. Bookman completed his MDiv and ThM at Central Baptist Theological Seminary, and his ThD at Dallas Theological Seminary. He’s been a professor since the mid 1970’s and has taught at schools such as Pillsbury College, The Master’s College, and since 2009 he has taught in the areas of Old and New Testament at Shepherds Theological seminary. He and his wife Diane have three children and 12 grandchildren. 

The Gospel of Luke with Mike DeVries

In this episode, Stephen and David interview Pastor Mike DeVries about the Gospel of Luke. Mike is so clearly in love with the Lord and the Word of God and will get anyone excited to read, study, and teach through Luke's Gospel. The themes of the humanity and humility stand out through the life and actions of Jesus.
 
Mike DeVries is a native of Colorado. He received his undergraduate training with a major in Bible and Greek and has a Master of Arts in Bible as well. He finished the coursework for two different doctorates, and he has been the pastor of Gateway Bible Fellowship since 2006. On top of that, Mike is on the academic board of advisors for Aquila. He perfectly exhibits an academic rigor and a pastoral care.

The Gospel of Mark with Jonathan Douglas

In this episode, Stephen and David interview Pastor Jonathan Douglas about the Gospel of Mark. Jonathan wonderfully depicts the context of Mark's Gospel and its aim to form disciples in the local Christian communities. The themes of sacrifice and humility stand out through the life and actions of Jesus.
 
Jonathan Douglas is pastor of the International Baptist Church of Cologne. He has a Masters of Theological Studies which he earned at The WEST Institute in Laramie, Wyoming. He and his wife Rita have two children.

The Gospel of Matthew with Dr. Doug Bookman

In this episode, David and Stephen interview Bible teacher and scholar Doug Bookman about the Gospel of Matthew. This episode kicks off our series introducing all the books of the New Testament. Dr. Bookman expertly depicts the context of Matthew's gospel and communicates its importance for believers today. In particular, Matthew calls us to acknowledge Jesus Christ is our Messiah and Lord and to bow our knees to Him alone.
 
Our guest: Dr. Bookman completed his MDiv and ThM at Central Baptist Theological Seminary and his ThD at Dallas Theological Seminary. He’s been a professor since the mid 1970’s and has taught at schools such as Pillsbury College, The Master’s College, and since 2009 he has taught in the areas of Old and New Testament at Shepherds Theological seminary. He and his wife Diane have three children and 12 grandchildren. 

The Person who Preaches with Dr. David Page

In this episode, Stephen and David interview Dr. David Martin for the final installment of our introduction to preaching series. This episode addresses what is perhaps the most important topic: the character of the one who preaches. Dr. Page addresses character flaws to watch out for, how to respond to criticism of your preaching, and the importance of your pastoral care to a preacher's effectiveness.
 
Our guest: Dr. Page served in pastoral ministry in Texas from 1984 to 2003, and has served as a Bible teacher among Iranians since then. That work has taken him and his family abroad for most of the last 22 years. He graduated with his MDiv and DMin from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. David and his wife Karla have been married since 1986 and have four grown children and several grandchildren. 

The Presentation of Preaching with Dr. David Page

In this episode, Stephen interviews Dr. David Page once again for the third of a four-part series on preaching. In this episode they discuss various elements of the preacher's presentation of a sermon including body language and the use of media. 
 
Our guest: Dr. Page served in pastoral ministry in Texas from 1984 to 2003, and has served as a Bible teacher among Iranians since then. That work has taken him and his family abroad for most of the last 22 years. He graduated with his MDiv and DMin from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. David and his wife Karla have been married since 1986 and have four grown children and several grandchildren. 

The Preparation for Preaching with Dr. David Page

In this episode, Stephen interviews Dr. David Page for the second in a four-part series on preaching. Stephen and David discuss preaching plans, scripts, weekly schedules, and the importance of expository preaching.
 
Our guest: Dr. Page served in pastoral ministry in Texas from 1984 to 2003, and has served as a Bible teacher among Iranians since then. That work has taken him and his family abroad for most of the last 22 years. He graduated with his MDiv and DMin from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. David and his wife Karla have been married since 1986 and have four grown children and several grandchildren. 

The Purpose and Power of Preaching with Dr. David Page

In this episode, Stephen interviews Dr. David Page for the first of a four-part series on preaching. In this episode Dr. Page defines preaching and distinguishes it from teaching. In part 2, the topic of authority in preaching and pastoral ministry is explained and discussed.
 
Our guest: Dr. Page served in pastoral ministry in Texas from 1984 to 2003, and has served as a Bible teacher among Iranians since then. That work has taken him and his family abroad for most of the last 22 years. He graduated with his MDiv and DMin from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. David and his wife Karla have been married since 1986 and have four grown children and several grandchildren.