DESCRIPTION:

This introduction to the four gospels introduces students to (1) the content of each of the Gospels; (2) the historical setting of the gospels and of the life of Jesus; and (3) the various methods appropriate to studying the gospels, and their implications for interpreting and understanding these beloved and familiar texts.

This course lays the foundation for the study of the Gospels. Satisfactory completion of the course should increase the student's confidence in reading, studying, and teaching the Gospels, as well as in understanding and interpreting the work of New Testament scholars.

Lectures and discussion based on reading the New Testament and secondary sources. The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. Greek-English, 7th ed. United Bible Societies, 1984. OR the same synopsis in English only.

Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2nd edition. Eerdmans, 1993.

Johnson, Luke T. The Writings of the New Testament. Fortress, 1986.

Stanton, Graham. The Gospels and Jesus. Oxford, 1989.

Green, J. B., S. McKnight, and I. H. Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. InterVarsity, 1992.

1. An exam on the content of the Gospels.

2. An essay on the theology of one of the gospels.

3. A final examination, covering lectures and reading.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament "1" (NT1).

Yes.