DESCRIPTION: This course will offer a detailed study of the Greek text of 1 Corinthians, with particular attention given to the letter's socio-historical setting, its theological argument, and its continuing significance for the Christian church.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: First Corinthians addresses numerous theological and ecclesiological issues confronting the church both ancient and modern. Skillful exegesis is crucial for responsible teaching and preaching.

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 Corinthians, including familiarity with the apparatuses and tools required for the study of the Greek text; (2) an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which this epistle was composed; (3) an ability to offer exegesis of select passages from the letter in light of a range of interpretative questions and approaches; and (4) some reflection on the significance of 1 Corinthians for discipleship and ministry.

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

REQUIRED READING:

1 Corinthians. 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).

Course reader.

Furnish, Victor Paul. The Theology of First Corinthians. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999.

One of the following commentaries:

Fee, Gordon. The First Epistle to the Corinthians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987.

Thiselton, Anthony C. The First Epistle to the Corinthians. The New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.

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

Fitzmyer, Joseph A. First Corinthians: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. The

Anchor Yale Bible 32. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2008.

Gorman, Michael. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2001.

Vander Broek, Lyle D. Breaking Barriers: The Possibilities of Christian Community in a Lonely World. Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2002.

1. Regular preparation for and participation in class discussions of exegesis of the text, including translation of the Greek (20%).

2. Two short papers (ca. 2,000 words each) dealing with issues of Greek grammar, syntax, exegesis, and theology (40%).

3. Four short reading responses (ca. 750 words each) on assigned articles (20%).

4. Take-home final exam (20%).