Welcome to Visiting Scholar Dr. Hyun-Gwang Kim

Feb 1, 2022

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About Western Theological Seminary

Located in Holland, Michigan, WTS offers 16 graduate programs online, in residence, in English, and Spanish for women and men preparing for faithful Christian ministry. WTS was founded in 1866 when seven of the eight members of Hope College’s inaugural graduating class wished to become ministers and petitioned their denomination to allow them to complete their education in Holland. Since that time, WTS has been preparing women and men for a lifetime of ministry all around the world in many ministry and denominational contexts.

By Western Theological Seminary

Western Theological Seminary welcomes Dr. Hyun-Gwang Kim as a visiting scholar for the 2021 – 2022 academic year. Dr. Kim is visiting from the Korean Bible University in Seoul, South Korea, where he has most recently held the title of Dean of Graduate school. In addition to this role, he has also served as an associate professor of New Testament and Biblical Greek at Korean Bible University for thirteen years.

Dr. Kim attended WTS from 2002-2003 as a Th.M. student. Dr. Kim holds a Ph.D. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, and is a Presbyterian pastor. He has recently been nominated by the Korean New Testament scholars and professors as a vice-president of the Korean Evangelical Society of New Testament Studies. This society consists of New Testament professors and scholars in Korea and is known as one of Korea’s most active and influential societies.

“I am happy to have this opportunity to serve society and be recognized as a leading professor and scholar in my area,” shares Dr. Kim. He has translated several books into Korean, including 40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible (Kregel Academic, 2021), Magnifying God in Christ: A Summary of New Testament Theology (Baker Academic, 2010)Romans (Mark Seifrid) from Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Baker Academic, 2007)and participated in translating NIV Study Bible (Zondervan, 2011).

During his time at WTS, Dr. Kim intends to work on several projects surrounding Paul’s theology of law, Gentiles, the Holy Spirit and the wrath of God, and the Second Temple Jewish literature. Shortly after arriving at WTS in October of 2021, he finished writing a book entitled Ten Questions About Roman, to be published in Seoul, South Korea, this summer. Additionally, he recently wrote an article regarding Peter’s Pentecostal sermon in Acts regarding Christocentric characteristics.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kim to the Western learning community,” shares Felix Theonugraha, President of WTS. “Dr. Kim is a leading New Testament scholar and a transformational seminary professor and administrator. Dr. Kim reminds us that the Church is alive and well, and we have much to learn from our brothers and sisters around the world. We are so incredibly honored that Dr. Kim has chosen to spend his sabbatical here with us!”

Dr. Kim has been married for 25 years to his wife, Sung-Hee Lee, an assistant professor at Chongshin University, Seoul, Korea, teaching Korean literature and writing. He has two daughters, Yoon-Young, who is currently preparing for her graduate studies in the USA, and Min-Young, who is studying in Korea as a university student.

During his time in Holland, Dr. Kim enjoys exploring nearby coffee shops and enjoying his sabbatical season.

“[I am] grateful to president Theonugraha, as well as the WTS community, for this meaningful invitation to serve as a visiting scholar,” said Dr. Kim. “The WTS community has been warm and welcoming.”