DR. JEFF JIBBEN
College of Theology
Title: Online Full Time Faculty
Years at GCU: Adjunct from 2010 to 2013, full time since December 2013
Academic degrees:
B.A. in Biology & Chemistry, Gustavus Adolphus College
MDiv in Biblical Languages & Pastoral Ministry, Evangel University (AGTS)
MA in Biblical Literature, Evangel University (AGTS)
DMin in Church Leadership, Bethel Seminary
Post-Graduate study in the New Testament through the University of Wales
Faculty scholarship (publications, scholarly presentations, fellowships, etc.):
Jibben, Jeff. "The Impact of Matthean Old Testament Quotations on Synoptic Problem Solutions." Presentation to the Evangelical Theological Society, Annual Meeting, San Diego, November 20, 2019.
Jibben, Jeff. “Matthean Quotations of the Old Testament and Papias’ Statement about the Matthew in the Hebrew Dialect.” Presentation to the Evangelical Theological Society, Far West Region. California Baptist University, Riverside, Calif., March 29, 2019.
Jibben, Jeff. “Matthean Quotations of the Old Testament and the Synoptic Problem.” Presentation to the Evangelical Theological Society, Far West Region. Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, April 13, 2018.
Jibben, Jeff. “When Scripture Helps Source Criticism: How Matthean Text Type Supports Markan Priority.” Presentation to the Evangelical Theological Society, Far West Region. Gateway Seminary, Ontario, Calif., April 21, 2017.
Member: Evangelical Theological Society
Notable research in your field: My research focuses in how the Gospel of Matthew quotes the Old Testament. Uniquely, Matthew includes quotes from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) and also quotes a unique Greek translation of the Old Testament from Hebrew, likely his own translation. This provides several insights into how the Gospel was written and into Matthew’s approach into Biblical interpretation.
Notable employment in your field: For 20 years, I served as pastor in churches in Minnesota and Arizona. Often while serving as a pastor, I would teach part time at a local Christian University. I did this for the love of my discipline, to seek to make a difference in the lives and ministries of students, and also to provide opportunity for students to minister in the church I served. This connection to academia, ministry and opportunity is what first led me to Grand Canyon University.
What are you most passionate about in your field? Two of my personal mottoes are “Bring the Book to the People” and “Learn | Experience | Change the World.” The first motto has a focus on The Book – which requires learning the Bible, a focus on people – which requires a both understanding people and caring for people, and also bringing – effective communicating and teaching. The second motto recognizes a cyclical process of learning more about the Triune God, which ought to lead to experiencing God, which in turn, leads to making a difference in real life. Making a difference leads again to seeking to know God all the more.
What aspect of your teaching style is the most distinctive and/or memorable? In my opinion, the passion of the teacher is to be attracted to both understanding the complex and then also to communicate the complex simply. These two working together often results in presenting material that may seem complex at first but enriches and deepens student study all the more. I also enjoy science, especially cell biology, and how science and Christianity can interact.
What do you like to do for fun in your spare time? I enjoy do-it-yourself projects such as car repair or home renovation. Home renovation, real estate as an investment and just enjoying everything about what makes a house a home led me to become a real estate broker, first in Minnesota and now in Arizona.
What is something interesting about you that most people don't know? I have been married for 32 years to the most amazing woman. Together, we have four remarkable sons. We are both lifelong learners passionate about several academic disciplines.
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