DESCRIPTION: This course, offered in Spanish, is an introduction to the method and practice of New Testament interpretation. It focuses upon the tools and skills necessary to understand the Greek New Testament, while building an appreciation for their relevance in moving from exegesis to sermon. Students are guided in how to assess the various types of evidence in making exegetical judgments, and in the proper use of reference tools to achieve this end.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, students should know how to (1) use the critical apparatus of the Greek New Testament (NA²⁷/UBS⁴), and understand the textual history it presupposes; (2) nuance their understanding of NT language through lexical searches; (3) refine their previous knowledge of Greek by asking (and answering) pertinent questions of the text; (4) apply research on the history and society of NT times to their understanding of specific passages; (5) value theological interrelationships within the canon and between NT texts and non-canonical literature; (6) discern the role of various contemporary interpretive methods in understanding the NT text; and (7) handle Scripture responsibly in preaching and in pastoral contexts.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The ability to exegete the Greek NT is an essential tool for responsible preaching and teaching. Good theology depends on good exegesis.

COURSE FORMAT: Roughly one-third of class time will be dedicated to lectures on methodology, the other two-thirds to hands-on application. A high degree of student participation is expected. In addition to general reading and preparation of assigned Greek passages, students will be given specific areas in which to do in-depth exegetical work. The work in these areas will then be presented and discussed in class. Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Greek New Testament (UBS⁴ ok, Nestle-Aland²⁷ preferred).

Fee, G. Exégesis del Nuevo Testamento: Manual para Estudiantes y Pastores. Miami: Editorial Vida/Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992.

Hanna, Roberto. Sintaxis Exegética del Nuevo Testamento. El Paso: Casa Bautista, 1997.

Cervantes Gabarrón, José. Sinopsis Bilingüe de los Tres Primeros Evangelios con los Paralelos del Evangelio de Juan. Estella, Navarra (Spain): Verbo Divino, 1999.
(Students who have met the Fuller TOEFL requirement may choose to substitute for the latter K. Aland, ed. Synopsis of the Four Gospels: Greek-English Edition. 10th ed. United Bible Societies, 1993 [Nestle-Aland²⁶ and the RSV²]; another option is Aland's Greek-only Synopsis quattuor Evangeliorum. 15th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2001.)

Course Reader.

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

1. Notes from weekly assignments (20%).

2. Two exegesis papers reflecting one's grasp of the skills of exegesis and effective use of major tools, to be done on passages selected from list provided in class. Maximum length: 10 pp. (40% each).