DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of the exegesis of the Greek New Testament, including an overview of the various resources and strategies available to facilitate the exegetical task. Objectives of the course include enabling students to gain an appreciation of the various genres of New Testament texts, providing a framework for making valid interpretive decisions, and equipping students to move effectively from the biblical text to the preaching or teaching situation.

Comprehending and communicating God's message in a manner that is both biblically faithful and culturally relevant hinges on the ability to move skillfully and fluidly from the revealed text to the contemporary context.

Class sessions will alternate between lectures explaining exegetical perspectives and methods, projects designed to put theory to application, and student exegetical presentations of assigned passages. Regular attendance and full participation are expected. Two-hour class sessions meet twice per week.

Black, D. A. and Dockery, D. S., eds. Interpreting the New Testament: Essays on Methods and Issues. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2001.

Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. 3rd ed. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 2002.

Wallace, D. B. The Basics of New Testament Syntax. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

Hagner, D. A. New Testament Exegesis and Research: A Guide for Seminarians. Pasadena, 1999.

Metzger, B. M. A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament. 2nd ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft/United Bible Societies, 1994.

Porter, S. E. Idioms of the Greek New Testament. Sheffield: JSOT, 1992.

Porter, S. E., ed. Handbook to Exegesis of the New Testament. Boston: Brill, 2002.

1. Weekly summaries of assigned reading material (10%).

2. Weekly in-class exegetical lab assignments (20%).

3. An in-class presentation in preparation for the exegetical paper (30%).

4. A 3500-word exegetical paper on an assigned passage, demonstrating a good grasp of the skills and tools of exegesis (40%).

LG512.

Meets MDiv core requirement in Hermeneutics (HERM).

None.