DESCRIPTION:

This course provides the student with a comprehensive exegetical methodology which is then applied to specific portions of the Greek New Testament. The original passages will include different genres of the New Testament literature, e.g., historical narrative, parables, epistles, apocalyptic. The purpose is to equip the student with a knowledge of both the tools and the techniques of exegesis. In the actual practice of exegesis special attention will be given to how exegetical decisions are made, as well as to underlying hermeneutical questions involved in moving from exegesis to sermon.

The ability to exegete the Greek NT is one of the most important tools for responsible preaching and teaching. There can be no good theology without good exegesis.

Apart from some introductory and occasional lectures, this should be considered a lab course: that is, a high degree of student participation is expected. In addition to the general study and preparation of the Greek passages, students will be assigned special areas in which to do in-depth exegetical work. The results of this special research will then be presented and discussed in class. Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Aland, Kurt, ed. Synopsis of the Four Gospels: Greek-English Edition of the Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorium, with the Greek Nestle-Aland 26th Edition Text and Parallel English Revised Standard Version 2nd Edition Text. 9th Edition. United Bible Societies (New York: American Bible Society), 1987.

Black, D. A. and Dockery, D. S., eds. New Testament Criticism and Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991.

Greenlee, J. H. A Concise Exegetical Grammar of NT Greek. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986.

Hagner, D. A. Writing Exegesis and Research Papers in New Testament Studies: A Guide for Seminarians. Pasadena: Fuller Theological Seminary, 1993.

Porter, S. E. Idioms of the Greek New Testament. Sheffield: JSOT, 1992.

Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983.

For those whose Greek needs serious brushing up:

Mueller, W. Grammatical Aids for Students of New Testament Greek. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972.

1. Notes from the weekly assignments.

2. An exegesis paper reflecting your knowledge of the skills of exegesis and your effective use of major tools. Maximum length, 12 pages. To be done on a passage selected from list provided in class. Late papers, except those due to genuine emergencies, will be marked down.

LG512.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in hermeneutics (HERM).

None.