DESCRIPTION: This Internet-based course introduces interpretive principles and practices for students of the Greek New Testament. It emphasizes the value of various methods for understanding NT texts in light of exegetical aims and assumptions. Students receive guidance in assessing various types of evidence, in the proper use of reference tools, and in the role of presuppositions in exegesis.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The paramount role of ministers of the "gospel of God" (Rom 1:1) is the prophetic exposition of the Word of God from Holy Scripture to a contemporary audience (1 Tim 4:13). This can only be done responsibly when ministers have a clear understanding of the task to which they are called and of the tools for performing it. This course will demonstrate its own significance if it helps students to see themselves as both called to and capable of the task, imbued with more enthusiasm for reading the Bible and for a deeper obedience to Scripture.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated (1) ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a range of interpretive methods for the study of particular NT texts, and to apply these methods accordingly; (2) ability to articulate the impact of their own social location upon their reading of NT texts; and (3) a level of interpretive skill appropriate for effective leadership in Christian communities.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted via the Internet on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller's academic calendar. The course involves reading, writing, and exegetical exercises, use of libraries and other resources, exercises in using Greek, and community dialog. Each week students and the instructor will interact together with the material through journaling and threaded discussions.

REQUIRED READING :

González, J. L. Santa Biblia: The Bible through Hispanic Eyes. Nashville: Abingdon, 1996. ISBN: 9780687014521. $18.

Green, Joel B., ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2010. ISBN: 9780802864208. $28.

________. Seized by Truth: Reading the Bible as Scripture. Nashville: Abingdon, 2007. ISBN: 9780687023554. $25. To be read by the end of the first week of the quarter.

deSilva, D. A. Honor, Patronage, Kinship & Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2000. ISBN: 9780830815722. $25.

Students will be expected to consult the following throughout the quarter (which they should already have from LG512, or can use in the library):

Either Aland, B., et al., eds. The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. United Bible Societies, 1994.
Or Idem. Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1993.

Bauer, W., F. W. Danker, W. F. Arndt, and F. W. Gingrich. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. University of Chicago Press, 2000.

Metzger, Bruce M. A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament. 2nd ed. New York: American Bible Society, 1994.

Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

See in addition the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.

1. Journaling on assigned readings, submitted bi-weekly (10%).

2. Contributions to weekly discussion forums, including responses to interpretive exercises (40%).

3. Critical review of González, Santa Biblia (1200-1500 words, or about 4-5 pages double-spaced) (10%).

4. Three interpretive exercises on assigned texts (1,200 words each, or about 2 pages single-spaced); the two top scoring exercises will be counted in the course grade (20%).

5. Final research paper on an assigned NT passage (2500 words, or 8-10 pages double spaced) (20%).