Embarking on a Spiritual Journey at Sixty-ONE
Mastering Biblical Studies in Later Life
Discover the inspiring story of embracing academic and spiritual growth through Biblical studies after 60.
Kim Pullen
At the age of 61, Kim decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies, proving that personal and spiritual growth knows no age limit. This bold step is a testament to her love of God’s Word and her lifelong commitment to faith, family, and relationships. Kim’s journey is not just about academic achievement but is an expression of her passion and respect for the scriptures and to add new dimensions to her spiritual life, ministry, and relationships.
“I pray that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best.” Philippians 1:9-10
History & Hermeneutics
Topic: Bible Canonization and its Impact on the Church
Graduate Course: Church History I
Summary: Besides the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is no greater influence on the past or modern church than the canonization of Scripture. In this document, Kim explores a brief history of the canonization culminating in the Council of Nicea and the subsequent impact on the past and present day church.
Topic: A Christian & Jewish Analysis of the Seventy Sevens Prophecy of Daniel 9
Graduate Course: Biblical Hermeneutics
Summary: There are a variety of theories to the controversial passage of Daniel 9:24-27. Kim explores the four dimensions of Liberal Jewish and Christian and Conservative Jewish and Christian thought on this prophecy and its relevance to the modern Christian believer.
Old Testament Studies
Topic: Theological Themes for Understanding a Biblical God and Mankind in Genesis 1-11
Graduate Course: Old Testament Orientation 1
Summary: In this discussion thread, Kim examines three important theological themes in the first 11 chapters of Genesis for understanding the God of the Bible as well as two themes about mankind. These are relevant for Bible students to be aware of so that their reading of the rest of Genesis and the other 65 books of the Bible are done through the correct lens.
Topic: Parallels in the Life of Moses and Israel (Exodus)
Graduate Course: Old Testament Orientation 1
Summary: In this discussion thread, Kim examines several important parallels in the life of Moses in Exodus 1-6 and compares them with similar experiences in the Israelite community in chapters 12-43. These parallels are relevant to modern-day readers of Scripture as well.
Topic: Recurring Cycles in the Book of Judges
Graduate Course: Old Testament Orientation 1
Summary: Judges exemplifies Israel’s moral deterioration as a nation due to the neglect of its relationship with God and his commandments. Doing “what was right in their own eyes” rather than what was right in the eyes of God led the Israelites away from God’s standard and creating their own definition of truth. These lessons are relevant for 21st century believers.
Topic: Interpretive Commentary on 2 Chronicles 26-29
Graduate Course: Old Testament Orientation 1
Summary: While the two-volume collection of 2 Chronicles was neglected by scholars for a millennium, recently it has come under new scrutiny and has been revealed to be a masterpiece of biblical literature creating a unique bridge between the past and present. In this paper, Kim introduces the historical setting, date, authorship, and audience for the book of 2 Chronicles. Focusing specifically on chapters 26-29, she also includes an interpretive commentary, major theological themes, and the relevance for modern believers.
VIDEO: Intro to the Character of Joshua
Graduate Course: Old Testament Orientation 1
Summary: In this 3-minute video report, Kim portrays a television reporter for a fictional news magazine reporting on the biblical character of Joseph.
New Testament Studies
Paper Topic: The Global Church Attaining to the Fullness of Christ - An Exegesis of Ephesians 4:7-16
For Graduate Course: Research, Writing, and Ministry Prep
Summary: Kim examines the historical, cultural, and literary context of the key passage (Eph 4:7-16) and suggests the Apostle Paul’s appeal to first-century believers in Asia transcends the centuries and calls the modern-day, global church—collectively and individually—to acknowledge a corporate vulnerability to false teachings due to the neglect of the contextual study of Scripture. Instead, all believers past and present were/are called to deliberately engage with mature, qualified, biblically-literate leaders to become equipped, built up, and unified, so as to “attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Paper Topic: The Christology of the Gospel of John - Jesus as the Incarnate I AM
For Graduate Course: New Testament Orientation 1
Summary: While there are numerous Christological titles that could be explored in the Gospel of John, Kim focuses on the Apostle John’s view of Jesus as the I Am (egó eimi) or Incarnate God. She examines how John’s original audience would have heard and received his message including references they would have recognized from Old Testament texts. She concludes with John’s recognition of Jesus as equally human and divine, and God’s unique ability to hold this tension deftly in-hand.
VIDEO: Intro to the Apostle Paul
Graduate Course: New Testament Orientation 2
Summary: In this 3-minute video report, Kim portrays a television reporter for a fictional news show presenting an introductory segment about the biblical Apostle Paul.
VIDEO: Is Paul Still Relevant?
Graduate Course: New Testament Orientation 2
Summary: In this 3-minute video report, Kim portrays an editorial television reporter for a fictional news show arguing over the relevance for the Apostle Paul in the 21st century church.