Fall 2013/Pasadena

NE506

Downs

NE506: NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: 1 CORINTHIANS. David J. Downs.

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 (CEB; NRSV; TNIV; etc.) and Aland, K., et al. The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. American Bible Society, 2000 [UBS4]. ISBN: 978-3438051103, Pub. Price $43.99; OR Nestle, E., and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 28th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2012 [NA28]. ISBN 978-3438051400, Pub. Price $45.99. Nestle, E., and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1998 [NA27] ISBN: 978-3438051004, Pub. Price $40.99 is also allowed.

Course reader.

Kovacs, Judith L. 1 Corinthians: Interpreted by Early Christian Commentators. The Church’s Bible. Eerdmans, 2005. ISBN: 978-0802825773, Pub. Price $40.00 [370 pp.].

ONE of the following commentaries:

Ciampa, Roy E. and Brian S. Rosner. The First Letter to the Corinthians. Pillar New Testament Commentary. Eerdmans, 2010. ISBN: 978-080283732, Pub. Price $65.00 [990 pp.]

Fee, Gordon. The First Epistle to the Corinthians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Eerdmans, 1987. ISBN: 978-0802825070, Pub. Price $60.00 [904 pp.].

Thiselton, Anthony C. The First Epistle to the Corinthians. The New International Greek Testament Commentary. Eerdmans, 2000. ISBN: 978-0802824493, Pub. Price $86.00 [1424 pp.].

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:

Fitzmyer, Joseph A. First Corinthians: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary.Yale University Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0300140446, Pub. Price $55.00 [688pp.].

Gorman, Michael. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2001. ISBN: 978-0801046407, Pub. Price $21.99 [21.99].

Vander Broek, Lyle D. Breaking Barriers: The Possibilities of Christian Community in a Lonely World. Brazos, 2002. ISBN: 978-1587430527, Pub. Price $15.99 [176 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

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%).

PREREQUISITES: NE502 and (NS500 or NT500).

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament New Testament Exegesis (NTE) and MA program requirements for New Testament book study (NTBK).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes, take-home.