Spring 2003/Pasadena
NE502
Hagner
NE502: EXEGETICAL METHOD AND PRACTICE. Donald A. Hagner.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course provides the student with a comprehensive exegetical
methodology which is then applied to specific portions of the Greek New
Testament. The original passages will include different genres of the New
Testament literature, e.g., historical narrative, parables, epistles,
apocalyptic. The purpose is to equip the student with a knowledge of both the
tools and the techniques of exegesis. In the actual practice of exegesis
special attention will be given to how exegetical decisions are made, as well
as to underlying hermeneutical questions involved in moving from exegesis to
sermon.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The ability to exegete the Greek NT is one of the most important
tools for responsible preaching and teaching. There can be no good theology
without good exegesis.
COURSE FORMAT:
- Apart from some introductory and occasional lectures, this should
be considered a lab course: that is, a high degree of student participation is
expected. In addition to the general study and preparation of the Greek
passages, students will be assigned special areas in which to do in-depth
exegetical work. The results of this special research will then be presented
and discussed in class. Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour
sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Aland, K. Synopsis of the Four Gospels: Greek-English
Edition. . . . 10th ed. United Bible Societies, 1993
[Nestle-Aland26 and the RSV2].
- Hagner, D. A. New Testament Exegesis and Research: A Guide for
Seminarians. Pasadena, 1999.
- Wallace, D. B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of
the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.
- See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic
Advising office.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis. Philadelphia:
Westminster, 1983.
- Green, J. B. ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for
Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.
- Porter, S. E. Idioms of the Greek New Testament. Sheffield: JSOT,
1992.
- For those whose Greek needs serious brushing up:
- Mueller, W. Grammatical Aids for Students of New Testament Greek.
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Notes from the weekly assignments.
- Two exegesis papers reflecting your knowledge of the skills of exegesis and
your effective use of major tools. Maximum length: 10 pages. To be done on
passages selected from list provided in class. Late papers, except those due to
genuine emergencies, will be marked down.
PREREQUISITES: LG512.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets M.Div. core requirement in Hermeneutics
(HERM).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.