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 Greek text as well as familiarity with historical, literary, and theological themes in this document.

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

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; (3) develop a responsible and engaging method of interpreting 2 Corinthians both in its context and for the church today; and (4) solidify and expand on earlier learning of the Greek language.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions. Class time will be devoted to translation of the Greek, discussion of key exegetical points, and discussion of the theology of the epistle.

REQUIRED READING:

Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Modern translations (RSV, NRSV, NIV, JB, etc.) and a critical text of the Greek New Testament (either a UBS 4th edition or Nestle-Aland 27th edition).

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

Savage, Timothy B. Power Through Weakness: Paul's Understanding of the Christian Ministry in 2 Corinthians. Cambridge University Press, 1996.

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

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

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

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 translations of and reflections on the Greek text of 2 Corinthians (25%).