DESCRIPTION: The course will engage in detailed exegesis of portions of the Greek text of Mark. In addition to the historical and critical issues, we will pay special attention to the contemporary trends in the study of the Gospel as well as its unique characteristics, theology, and life-setting. The course intends to build upon exegetical methods and solidify exegesis of the Greek text through intensive practice.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course seeks to develop interpretive sensibilities in the student so that the student will be able to:

• understand more about the literary features of Mark;

• apply earlier Greek language learning to specific texts;

• solidify earlier learning of the Greek language;

• appreciate new ways of reading Scripture;

• better understand the historical and cultural context;

• develop ability in interpreting Mark;

• see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture;

• move towards a deeper obedience to Scripture in his or her life.

Aland, K. Synopsis of the Four Gospels: Greek-English Edition. . . . 10th ed. United Bible Societies, 1993 [Nestle-Aland26 and the RSV2].

Black, C. Clifton. Mark: Images of an Apostolic Interpreter. Fortress, 1994.

Telford, William. The Interpretation of Mark. T & T Clark, 1995.

One of the following volumes or sets:

France, R. T. The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on the Greek Text. NIGNT. Eerdmans, 2002.

Guelich, R. A. Mark 1-8:26. WBC 34A. Word, 1989. And
Evans, Craig. Mark 8:27-16:20. WBC 34B. Nelson, 2001.

Hooker, Morna. A Commentary on the Gospel of Mark. BNTC. A & C Black, 1991.

Marcus, Joel. Mark 1-8. ABC 27. Doubleday, 2000.

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

Best, E. Mark: The Gospel as Story. T & T Clark, 1983.

Hurtado, Larry. Mark. NIBC. Hendrickson, 1989.

Rhoads, David M., et al. Mark as Story: an Introduction to the Narrative of a Gospel. Fortress, 1999.

Telford, William. The Theology of the Gospel of Mark. Cambridge, 1999.

1. Preparation and presentation of assigned Greek passages (20%).

2. Two exegesis papers based on the Greek NT that address current issues in Markan studies (1200 words; 25% each).

3. A paper on Markan Theology (2000 words; 30%).