Winter 2008/Pasadena
NE506
Shaules

NE506: NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: ROMANS. William J. Shaules.


DESCRIPTION: This course is a study of Paul's epistle to the Romans incorporating the Greek text and an exegetical project.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Throughout the duration of this course students will

  1. master the content of Romans with a focus on its historical circumstances, major themes, and the interplay between texts in Romans and those of Paul's literary environment;

  2. learn basic exegetical strategies for the interpretation of Romans as well as learn major trends in Romans scholarship;

  3. learn how Romans is theologically read today in different cultural circumstances;

  4. methodologically incorporate the principle of the "incarnational" nature of the Bible, that is, the Bible as fully divine and fully human.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: A thorough knowledge of Romans and basic methods of interpretation are invaluable for ministry, especially teaching and preaching.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week from 6:30-9:50 for lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED READING:
A good English translation of Romans (e.g. NRSV, NAB, NIV).

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

Dunn, James D. G. Romans 1-8; Romans 9-16. 2 vols. Word Biblical Commentary 38a, 38b. Dallas: Word, 1988. (Students should puchase both volumes.)

Gorman, M. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2001.
See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

RECOMMENDED READING AND RESOURCES:
Cranfield, C. E. B. A Critical and Exegetical on the Epistle to the Romans. 2 vols. ICC. T & T Clark, 1975, 1979.

Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Eerdmans, 1998.

Fitzmyer, Joseph. Romans: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. AB 33. Doubleday, 1993.

Hay, David M., and Elizabeth E. Johnson, eds. Pauline Theology, Vol. 3: Romans. Fortress, 1995.

Hays, Richard B. Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul. Yale University Press, 1989.

Käsemann, Ernst. Commentary on Romans. Translated by G.W. Bromily. Eerdmans, 1980.

Sanders, E. P. Paul and Palestinian Judaism: A Comparison of Patterns of Religion. Fortress, 1977.

Wright, N. T. The Climax of the Covenant: Christ and the Law in Pauline Theology. Fortress, 1991.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Preparation of assigned reading for the class, including the Greek text

  2. Completion of three quizzes throughout the quarter (30%)

  3. Completion of an exegetical paper of 12-15 pages (40%)

  4. Completion of a final exam (30%)

PREREQUISITES: LG512, NE502, and NS500.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament Exegesis (NTE).

FINAL EXAMINATION: A final exam will be given during the last class meeting.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (11/07)