DESCRIPTION: This course provides the student with a comprehensive exegetical methodology which is then applied to specific portions of the Greek New Testament. The original passages will include different genres of the New Testament literature, e.g., historical narrative, parables, epistles, apocalyptic. The purpose is to equip the student with a knowledge of both the tools and the techniques of exegesis. In the actual practice of exegesis special attention will be given to how exegetical decisions are made, as well as to underlying hermeneutical questions involved in moving from exegesis to sermon.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, students should (1) be familiar with the tools and techniques of exegesis; (2) develop skill in making exegetical decisions; and (3) be able to handle Scripture wisely in preaching and in pastoral contexts.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The ability to exegete the Greek NT is one of the most important tools for responsible preaching and teaching. There can be no good theology without good exegesis.

COURSE FORMAT: Apart from some introductory and occasional lectures, this should be considered a lab course: that is, a high degree of student participation is expected. In addition to the general study and preparation of the Greek passages, students will be assigned special areas in which to do in-depth exegetical work. The results of this special research will then be presented and discussed in class. Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Assigned passages from:

Greek New Testament (UBS text, or preferably Nestle-Aland).

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

Erickson, R. J. A Beginners Guide to New Testament Exegesis: Taking the Fear out of Critical Method. InterVarsity Press, 2005.

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

For reference:

Wallace, D. B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Zondervan, 1996.

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

Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis. Westminster, 1983.

Green, J. B. ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. Eerdmans, 1995.

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

For those whose Greek needs serious brushing up:

Mueller, W. Grammatical Aids for Students of New Testament Greek. Eerdmans, 1972.

1. Notes from the weekly assignments.

2. Two exegesis papers reflecting your knowledge of the skills of exegesis and your effective use of major tools. Maximum length: 10 pages. To be done on passages selected from list provided in class. Late papers, except those due to genuine emergencies, will be marked down.