DESCRIPTION:

This course provides the basic tools for exegeting texts in the Greek New Testament. A comprehensive methodology is learned and applied to different genres of this literature, e.g. historical narrative, parables, epistles, apocalyptic. Since exegesis is an "art" which can only be learned by practice, class emphasis will be on "doing" exegesis. In the process, the student will gain facility with lexica, concordances, grammars, the synopsis, theological and exegetical dictionaries, and other exegetical aids.

Since ministers are to "preach the word," this must be founded upon understanding biblical texts. Exegesis makes preachers constant learners, and sharpens their skills to analyze today's currents of thought.

Apart from some introductory and occasional lectures, this should be considered a lab course: that is, a high degree of student participation is expected. Students will prepare for selected Greek passages to be discussed in class, will keep up with assigned readings in a notebook, and will submit an in-depth exegetical paper. Class will meet twice weekly from 5:00-8:50 P.M. for five weeks.

A Greek New Testament (UBS4 or Nestle27) and Lexicon (BAGD) are already assumed.

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

Carson, D. A. Exegetical Fallacies, 2d. ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996.

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

Wallace, D. B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

Blass, F. and A. Debrunner. A Greek Grammar of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. Trans. and rev. by R. W. Funk. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1961. [May be substituted for Wallace (Greek Grammar).]

Danker, F. W. Multipurpose Tools for Bible Study, rev. and exp. ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.

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

1. Reading of assigned texts.

2. Translation of Greek texts and written exegesis exercises (to be handed in each class).

3. A 10-page exegesis paper.

LG512.

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

None.