Winter 2016/Online

NE567

Hill

NE567: NEW TESTAMENT BOOK STUDY: HEBREWS (English Text) (4 Units: 160 hours). Craig Allen Hill.

DESCRIPTION: This course is an interpretive study of the “epistle” to the Hebrews. It seeks to develop familiarity with the outline, literary features, and theological themes of Hebrews while exploring the significance of the work in its original context as well as interpreting it for today.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated (1) knowledge of the structure, content, and main themes of Hebrews; (2) an understanding of the complexities of the Jewish and Greco-Roman backgrounds of the text; (3) an ability to interpret Hebrews critically through literary, socio-cultural, historical, and other methodologies; (4) interaction with multiple interpretive perspectives; (5) an ability to reflect theologically on major themes within Hebrews, such as salvation, Christology, perseverance, etc., assessing how the text confronts faithful readers and the church.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING:

Hebrews in the New Testament NIV, CEB, NRSV

Bauckham, Richard, Daniel R. Driver, Trevor A. Hart, Nathan MacDonald, eds. The Epistle to the Hebrews and Christian Theology. Eerdmans, 2009. ISBN: 978-0802825889, Pub. Price $40.00 [200 pp.].

For Required Assignments Students must use at least TWO of the following commentaries:

Cockerill, Gareth Lee. The Epistle to the Hebrews. New International Commentary on the New Testament 58. Eerdmans, 2012. ISBN: 978-0802824929, Pub. Price $60.00 [200 pp.].

Koester, Craig R. Hebrews: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible 36. Doubleday, 2001. ISBN: 978-0385468930, Pub. Price $50.00 [400 pp.].

O’Brien, Peter T. The Letter to the Hebrews. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Eerdmans, 2010. ISBN: 978-0802837295, Pub. Price $52.00 [200 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Attridge, Harold W. The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. Hermeneia. Fortress Press, 1989. ISBN: 978-0800660215, Pub. Price $60.00.

Ellingworth, Paul. The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Commentary on the Greek Text. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Eerdmans, 1992. ISBN: 978-0802824202, Pub. Price $68.00.

Lane, William L. Hebrews. 2 vols. Word Biblical Commentary 47A–47B. Thomas Nelson, 1991. ISBN: 978-0849909351, Pub. Price $49.99 each vol.

There are numerous articles, commentaries, and monographs relevant to the study of Hebrews, and these will be referenced and discussed in the course.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Reading: Approx. 1,050 pages of required reading and completion of a reading log. (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1–5]. [70 hours].

2. Weekly Course Lectures: video/audio, Prezi presentations, and Moodle’s on-line lesson function [15 hours].

3. Prompted Discussion Forums and responses: Active participation in course forums responding to lectures and readings, 250-words initial post with 100 word responses to two other posts weekly (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, and 5]. [15 hours].

4. Weekly Interpretive Exercises on selected passages and topics in Hebrews (ca. 1000 words each) (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 4]. [25 hours].

5. A Reflection Paper (on either Salvation or Christology in Hebrews): Each student will develop a 1,250 word reflection paper on Hebrews soteriology or christology, its presentation in the text, related conceptions, and contemporary significance for the church. This should not require research outside of class material (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, #4 and #5]. [5 hours].

6. One Final Research Paper: a 2,500–3,000 word exegesis paper on one of several suggested passages in Hebrews (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3, 4]. [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Counts as a biblical elective for the 120 MDiv Program and the MATM and MAICS Programs (Winter 2010), and the NTBK requirement for the MAT Program (Winter 2010).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.