DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to the task of New Testament exegesis. It provides the student not only exposure to and practice in the various methods of interpreting the Greek New Testament, but also a familiarity with the larger issues of the validity and usefulness of these methods. Special emphasis is placed on weighing the various kinds of evidence to produce an exegetical judgment and on awareness of the reference tools available to assist in this task.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: After successfully completing this course the student is expected to be able to deal with a passage of the New Testament in the following ways: (1) understand the historical development of the text of the New Testament and establish and evaluate the manuscript evidence of the passage in question in dialogue with the Nestle-Aland decisions as well as the opinions found in other secondary sources, (2) use various concordances and lexicons to determine the meaning of key words as used by the author in context, (3) use previously acquired knowledge of Koine Greek grammar in discussion with secondary sources to determine the meaning of groups of words, (4) refer to atlases, histories, and other reference works to determine the cultural and historical background of the text, and (5) be conscious of the philosophical, literary, and other presuppositions which call for the above-mentioned approach to Biblical texts, in comparison with competing contemporary presuppositions.

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

COURSE FORMAT: The course will be a combination of lectures, in-class demonstration of various exegetical methods, and discussion of exegetical assignments. The class will meet twice a week for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

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

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

Extended Syllabus (available in the bookstore).

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

Danker, F. W. Multipurpose Tools for Bible Study. Rev. and exp. ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.

1. Notes and in-class quizzes on reading assignments (30%).

2. Written assignments on various elements of exegesis (40%).

3. An exegesis paper, not exceeding twelve pages in length, which demonstrates proper knowledge and use of the methods and tools covered in this course (30%). A list of allowed passages will be given in class. Passages need to be approved by the instructor in advance.