Jessup University’s Center for Bible Study provides high-quality, accessible Bible education for all.
Learn to read the Bible in its historical context with pastoral sensitivity to the most pressing issues of our day. Our teachers are biblical scholars who are deeply committed to the life of the local Church.
We’ll even come to you! If you’re interested in hosting, we can facilitate seminars and classes at local churches in the greater Sacramento area.
All classes are available on campus and online via Zoom. If the timing of a class doesn’t fit your schedule, no problem! All CBS classes are recorded, so you can participate remotely any time.
Join our upcoming lectures
Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling
by Dr. Nijay K. Gupta
WHEN: Thursday, February 6th 2025
7:00pm – 8:30pm
WHERE: Chapel & Events Center – JESSUP University Campus
What made the early church weird, dangerous, and compelling?
Within Roman society, the earliest Christians stood out for the oddness of their beliefs and practices. They believed unusual things, worshiped God in strange ways, and lived a unique lifestyle. They practiced a whole new way of thinking about and doing religion that would have been seen as bizarre and dangerous by many Roman people.
In this lecture, Dr. Gupta will outline how our spiritual ancestors can inspire us to be strange in all the best ways today as part of God’s “good news” movement in Christ.
Our Social Media
Meet our Faculty
Dr. Max Botner (Director)
Dr. Max Botner has served as a lecturer and researcher in the US, UK, and Germany. His primary research interests include Jewish exegetical practices, ancient messianism and early Christology, and early Jewish and Christian sacrificial theologies. Above all, he is passionate about training students, clergy, and lay leaders to know and embody the biblical story. Currently, Max serves as Associate Professor for the School of Theology & Leadership at Jessup.
Max and his wife Jessica are Northern California natives and Jessup alumni. They have four children and currently reside in Lincoln, CA.
Rev. Peter Rodgers (Founder)
Rev. Peter Rodgers holds degrees from Hobart College, General Theological Seminary, and Oxford University. He has served as Professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary and as Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Antelope, CA.
Rev. Rodgers is a seasoned New Testament textual critic and a passionate advocate for biblical studies in the local Church. He founded CBS over a decade ago “to encourage people to be involved in the study of the Scriptures with others in the life of the Church and to raise up leaders to facilitate Bible study in their churches.”
“ Max Botner is one of the bright lights of the new generation of biblical scholars. He is well equipped to bring encouragement and challenge through fresh biblical ideas, carefully researched and clearly expressed.”
Rt. Rev. N.T. Wright
Former Bishop of Durham; Emeritus Professor of New Testament & Early Christianity, University of St. Andrews; Senior Research Fellow, Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford“I am a better Theologian, Pastor, and Teacher because of the time I spent with Dr. Max Botner!”
Dwight L. Gutridge, MABS
Presiding Elder of the New Rising Western Michigan District, Pastor of Saint Luke A.M.E. Zion Church (The House of Healing)Support the Center for Bible Study
To support the Center for Bible Study, please click on the link below.
