DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to biblical exegesis. Students will learn how to exegete the New Testament in Greek, using lexica, concordances, grammars, the synopsis of the four gospels, theological and exegetical dictionaries, and other exegetical aids. In addition to the grammatical and historical aspects of exegesis, the literary, sociological, and political dimensions of the texts will also be studied. The goal is development of exegetical skill through written exercises and short exegetical papers.

The ability to exegete the biblical texts is key to a vital and faithful Christian ministry. Without it one more easily falls prey to pre-conceived or inherited notions about the Bible and Christian faith and confuses cultural trends with God's word. By applying their skills in biblical exegesis, ministers will be able to clear the way for God's voice to be heard amid the cacophony of voices in the contemporary marketplace of ideas.

A combination of lectures, discussion of the written assignments, translation and work with the Greek text, and actual practice with exegetical tools. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

A Greek New Testament. (UBS 4 or Nestle 27). Selected portions.

Aland, K. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. 9th ed. Greek-English edition. New York: American Bible Society, 1989. Selected portions.

Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983.

Hagner, D. A. Writing Exegesis and Research Papers in New Testament Studies: A Guide for Seminarians. Pasadena: Fuller Theological Seminary, 1984.

Porter, Stanley. Idioms of the Greek New Testament. 2nd ed. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Books, 1995.

Green, J. B., ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.

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

Soulen, Richard. Handbook of Biblical Criticism. Rev. ed. Atlanta: John Knox, 1981.

1. Reading of assigned texts.

2. Written exercises.

3. Two 5-page exegesis papers.

LG512 or equivalent.

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

No.