DESCRIPTION:

This course deals with three main components and is divided into three unequal sections, focusing on each of those components: (1) the history, method, and assumptions of the so-called "quest for the historical Jesus"; (2) a basic outline of Jesus' life, the key public events and their significance in their first-century Jewish setting, and the content of his teaching; (3) issues of continuity between the ministry and message of Jesus and the early church's faith in and proclamation about him.

Jesus' mission, message, and identity are foundational to understanding the Gospels, the ministry of the Church, the identity and character of God, and God's mission in the world. Successful completion of the course should equip the student to preach and teach from the Gospels with greater sensitivity and skill, to understand Jesus more fully, and to interpret the quest for Jesus to the church today.

Lecture and discussion of the Gospels and reading. The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Aland, Kurt, ed. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. Greek-English, 7th ed. United Bible Societies, 1984.

Bockmuehl, Markus, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Jesus. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001.

Borg, Marcus J. and N. T. Wright. The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1999.

Green, Joel B.; Scot McKnight; and I. Howard Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1991.

The literature about Jesus is vast, and continues to grow. More extensive bibliography will be discussed in class. Especially recommended for a comprehensive survey of recent study is
James D. G. Dunn, Jesus Remembered (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003).

1. Assigned reading, coordinated with class lectures and discussion.

2. Three written assignments based on the text of the Gospels and the assigned readings.

3. A final essay examination.

NS500 New Testament 1.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament Theology (NTT).

Yes.