DESCRIPTION: The course will engage in detailed exegesis of the Greek text of 1 Corinthians, with special attention to socio-historical setting, cultural-religious contexts, and the variety of interpretations in the church.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course, through the lectures, discussions, and assignments, should enable students to (1) better know and understand 1 Corinthians; (2) understand more about the social and cultural context of 1 Corinthians; (3) solidify and expand on earlier learning of the Greek language; (4) develop a responsible and engaging method of interpreting 1 Corinthians both in its context and for the church today.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: First Corinthians addresses numerous social, cultural, and religious issues confronting the church both ancient and modern. Skillful exegesis is crucial for responsible teaching and preaching.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will consist of lectures, discussion, and translation/discussion of the Greek text. The class will meet once a week for three-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Fee, Gordon. The First Epistle to the Corinthians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Eerdmans, 1987.

Furnish, Victor Paul. The Theology of First Corinthians. Cambridge University Press, 1999.

Murphy-O'Connor, Jerome. St. Paul's Corinth: Texts and Archaeology. 3rd rev. and exp. ed. Good News Studies 6. Michael Glazier, 2002.

Theissen, Gerd. The Social Setting of Pauline Christianity: Essays on Corinth. Fortress, 1982, 2004.

1 Corinthians. A critical text of the Greek New Testament (either a UBS 4th edition or Nestle-Aland 27th edition and a good modern translation (RSV; NRSV; etc.).

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

Collins, Raymond F. First Corinthians. Sacra Pagina. Liturgical Press, 1999.

Hays, Richard B. First Corinthians. Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Westminster John Knox, 1997.

Thiselton, Anthony C. The First Epistle to the Corinthians. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Eerdmans, 2000.

Wire, Antoinette Clark. The Corinthian Women Prophets: A Reconstruction Through Paul's Rhetoric. Augsburg/Fortress, 1991.

Witherington, Ben, III. Conflict and Community in Corinth: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on 1 and 2 Corinthians. Eerdmans, 1995.

1. Preparation and testing of assigned Greek passages (30% of the grade).

2. An exegesis paper (3000-3500 words, not including footnotes) on an approved pericope of 1 Corinthians (50% of the grade).

3. An essay addressing one cultural/sociological issue in 1 Corinthians (1500-1700 words, not including footnotes) (20% of the grade).