DESCRIPTION:

This course is a detailed examination of Paul's Letter to the Ephesians. After devoting a short time to the customary questions concerning such historical issues as authorship, dating, and provenance, we will move on to a line-by-line exposition of the Greek text, essentially following the author thought by thought, argument by argument. In carrying out this task, a balance will be sought between philological and grammatical points on the one hand, and practical and theological issues on the other.

This course is designed to demonstrate the application, on the Letter to the Ephesians, of the seminarian's acquired knowledge of the Greek language and exegetical methods. This ability to interpret the New Testament along valid hermeneutical principles is crucial for correct and effective preaching and teaching.

Class time will be divided among lectures, translation and interpretation of the Greek text, and discussion of student papers. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Arnold, C. E. Power and Magic: the Concept of Power in Ephesians. Wipf & Stock, 2001.

Lincoln, A. T. Ephesians. Word Biblical Commentary. Word Publishing, 1990.

Students will need to choose, in addition to the two books above, one other major commentary to be used as a consistent point of comparison in doing the short papers described in the next section. Three possibilities for this additional commentary are as follows; others may be allowed at the discretion of the instructor.

Barth, M. Ephesians. 2 vols. Anchor Bible. Doubleday, 1974.

Best, E. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Ephesians. International Critical Commentary. T & T Clark, 1998.

Bruce, F. F. The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Eerdmans, 1994.

In addition, students are expected to have the standard reference books in the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office and online.

1. A preliminary reading and observations assignment dealing with the historical background of Ephesians (20% of total grade).

2. Four short papers (4 pages maximum), one for each chapter of Ephesians, dealing with a specific point of exegesis (historical/grammatical/literary) on which there is some disagreement among scholars (60% of total grade). These papers will be distributed prior to class to facilitate discussion.

3. Active contribution to class discussion, showing (1) conscientious preparation of the Greek translation of the text and (2) reading of the student papers distributed beforehand (20% of total grade). Regular attendance is also considered. If deficiencies are noted in any of these areas more than once, this part of the student's total grade will be lowered incrementally.