Fall 2011/Houston

NE502

Michael Chung

 

NE502: EXEGETICAL METHOD AND PRACTICE. Michael Chung

 

DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the exegesis of the Greek New Testament, this course seeks to equip the student with knowledge of the various tools and techniques of exegesis. Special attention will be given to the basis upon which exegetical decisions are made and to the fundamental hermeneutical questions involved in moving from exegesis to sermon. In addition, we will consider the manner in which theological commitments and social location inform exegetical study.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing the course will have demonstrated that they:

1.     can offer an exegesis of passages from the New Testament in light of a range of appropriate interpretive approaches, including ones that take account of the diversity of contexts from which the text can be read;

2.     have articulated some reflection on the significance of the exegetical enterprise for their discipleship and ministry;

3.     have a competence in working with NT texts in their original language, including familiarity with apparatuses and tools requisite to such study.

 

 

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Central to Christian discipleship and the various forms of Christian ministry is serious and faithful engagement with the biblical texts read as Christian Scripture. This course focuses on the development of competence among readers of the New Testament for this most essential grace of working with these texts.

 

COURSE FORMAT: This course is concerned with the practice of New Testament exegesis. As a result, participation will require regular preparation of assignments, exegetical practice, and class discussion. Class will meet once a week for three hours.

 

REQUIRED READING:

Fee, Gordon D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. 3rd Edition. Westminster John Knox Press, 2002. $16.25. ISBN: 0664223168. 180 pp.

Green, Joel B. Seized by Truth: The Bible as Christian Scripture. Nashville: Abingdon, 2007. $25.00. ISBN: 9780687023554. 185 pp.

Segovia, Fernando & Mary Ann Tolbert, ed, Reading from this Place. Social Location and Biblical Interpretation in Global Perspective. Vol. 2; Fortress Press, 1995. $29.00. ISBN: 9780800629496. 365 pp.

 

Students will need to consult the following resources from LG512 throughout the quarter:

Either Aland, K., et al. The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. United Bible Societies, 1993 [UBS4]. $32.95. ISBN 3438051087;

Or Nestle, E. & K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1993 [NA27]. $41.53. ISBN 3438021001.

Danker, F. W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3d ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000 [BDAG]. $133.65. ISBN: 978-0226039336.

For further resources, see the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://www.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/084/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Completion of assigned reading, attendance and class participation (20%)

2. Four interpretive exercises on selected passages of Colossians (2-3 pages each) (40% of final grade)

3. Two exegetical papers on texts from the New Testament (6-8 pages each) (40% of final grade).

 

PREREQUISITES: LG512.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Hermeneutics (HERM).

 

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

 

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification.