DESCRIPTION: This course is an exegetical study of major sections in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, which seeks to develop confidence in interpreting the text as well as familiarity with historical, literary, and theological themes in this document.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course, through discussions and assignments, will enable students to (1) better know and understand 2 Corinthians and its social, cultural, and literary context; (2) understand more about Paul's theology of Christian ministry; and (3) develop a responsible and engaging method of interpreting 2 Corinthians both in its context and for the church today.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Second Corinthians is a crucial New Testament text for reflection on the nature of Christian ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet weekly for a three-hour session. Class time will be devoted to close readings of multiple English translations, discussion of key exegetical points, and discussion of the theology of the epistle.

REQUIRED READING:

Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Access to at least three modern translations: RSV, NRSV, TNIV, NJB, etc.

Furnish, Victor. II Corinthians. Anchor Bible 32A. Doubleday, 1984.

Murphy-O'Conner, Jerome. The Theology of the Second Letter to the Corinthians. Cambridge University Press, 1991.

Martin, Ralph P. 2 Corinthians. Word Biblical Commentary 40. Word Books, 1986.

Wan, Sze-kar. Power in Weakness: Conflict and Rhetoric in Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians. Trinity Press International, 2000.

1. Exegetical Working Papers: Students will choose a passage and prepare a three-page single-spaced summary of the exegetical and theological issues in that passage according to guidelines given in class, and will lead the class discussion of these issues (30%).

2. Formal Exegetical Paper: Beginning with the working paper above, students will prepare a 10-15 page exegetical paper on the same passage (45%).

3. Journals: Using guidelines given in class, students will submit their questions about and reflections on selected passages in 2 Corinthians (25%).