Center for Bible Study
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.


Webinar Series: A Guide to Reading the Gospels: Story, Scripture, and Theology
This three-session series invites you to read the Gospels with fresh eyes—attending to their narrative shape, scriptural architecture, and theological vision. Far from being mere collections of sayings or events, the Gospels unfold as coherent stories that interweave the portrayal of Jesus with the calling, failure, and renewal of his disciples. At the same time, the evangelists compose and structure their accounts through Israel’s Scriptures, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s covenant purposes. Taken together, these dimensions converge in a theological portrait of Jesus, God, and humanity that continues to shape the faith and practice of the church.
Dates: October 22, October 29, and November 5
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
Location: Zoom — or register to receive the recordings if you can’t attend live.
Our Social Media
Check out our YouTube page!
Into the Heart of Romans
Sacrifice and Atonement
The HEART of Paul’s Theology
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.