DESCRIPTION: This course will offer a detailed study of the Greek text of the Pastoral Epistles, with particular attention given to the socio-historical setting, canonical location, theological confession, and ecclesiological vision of these letters.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a thorough knowledge of the content and literary structure of the Greek text of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus; (2) an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which these documents were composed; (3) comprehension of some of the distinct theological and ethical emphases of each letter; and (4) an ability to interpret the Pastoral Epistles as formative for Christian ministry and discipleship.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Faithful exegesis of Christian Scripture is crucial for responsible teaching and preaching. The Pastoral Epistles, in addition to presenting a rich theology of God's grace in Christ, raise fascinating and challenging questions about issues such as gender, church leadership, material possessions, canon formation, and cultural engagement. This course provides students an opportunity to engage these questions while developing competence as interpreters of Scripture.

COURSE FORMAT: The course, which consists of discussion and lectures, will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. A good modern translation (RSV; NRSV; NIV; etc.) and a critical text of the Greek New Testament (either a UBS 4th edition or Nestle-Aland 27th edition).

Aageson, James W. Paul, the Pastoral Epistles, and the Early Church. Library of Pauline Studies.

Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2008.

Course reader.

One of the following commentaries:

Marshall, I. Howard. The Pastoral Epistles: A Critical and Exegetical Commentary. International Critical Commentary Series. London: T & T Clark, 2004.

Collins, Raymond F. 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy & Titus: A Commentary. New Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2002.

See also the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://www.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/084/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.

Young, Frances M. The Theology of the Pastoral Letters. New Testament Theology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994.

Harding, Mark. What Are They Saying about the Pastoral Epistles. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist, 2001.

1. Regular preparation for and participation in class discussions of exegesis of the text, including translation of the Greek (10%).

2. Three papers (ca. 1,500 words each) dealing with issues of Greek grammar, syntax, exegesis, and theology (20% each = 60%).

3. Take-home final exam (30%).