DESCRIPTION: This course will involve a detailed exegetical/theological analysis of Paul's letters to the Thessalonians, based on the Greek text.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will (1) master the content of these epistles through sound exegetical methodology; (2) place these letters within the historical and theological contexts of Paul and the early church; (3) become acquainted with some of the scholarly literature on 1 and 2 Thessalonians; and (4) be encouraged in the task of thinking "from text to application."

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: In every aspect of ministry, but especially in preaching, sound biblical exegetical practice is absolutely necessary.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet for five weeks on three days (two with two-hour sessions and one with a three-hour session) for lecture and discussion, based on students' daily preparation of the text.

REQUIRED READING:

Aland, K. et al. The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. United Bible Societies, 1993.
OR Nestle, E. and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1993.

Fee, Gordon D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. Third edition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.

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

Best, Ernest. The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians. BNTC 13. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1972.

Bruce, F. F. 1 and 2 Thessalonians. WBC 45. Waco: Word Books, 1982.

Green, Gene L. The Letters to the Thessalonians. PNTC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002.

Holmes, Michael W. 1 and 2 Thessalonians. NIVAC. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998.

Malherbe, Abraham J. The Letters to the Thessalonians. AB 32B. New York: Doubleday, 2000.

Marshall, I. Howard. 1 and 2 Thessalonians. NCBC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983.

Wanamaker, Charles A. Commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. NIGTC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990.

Additional bibliography will be provided in the course syllabus.

1. Daily class preparation (20%); students will prepare texts according to directions in Fee, New Testament Exegesis, and hand in their work at each class session. Daily attendance is required.

2. Exegesis paper (3,000 words) (50%), due February 23.

3. Sermon (2,000 words) (30%), due March 2.