DESCRIPTION:

The course will consider the theology of Paul in the context of his life and mission and in dialogue with the advocates of the "New Perspective on Paul." It will discuss the origin of Paul's gospel and apostleship and the interrelationship between his mission and theology. This will lead to an exposition of the main themes of his theology: Christology, soteriology and ethics, ecclesiology, eschatology, etc.

Paul's interpretation of Christ and his work has been the most influential force in Christianity, and his version of the gospel has lost no actuality in our generation. So it is vitally important for students to be equipped with a firm grasp of his gospel for their future ministry. A study of how he draws out missionary consequences from his theological understanding (the gospel and salvation-history) and how he creatively theologizes in the face of concrete needs and problems in the mission field will help students not only to understand his theology better but also to emulate his example in their concrete context of ministry.

The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions of lecture and discussion.

Dunn, J. D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.

Hawthorne, G.; Martin, R. P.; and Reid, D., eds. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1993 (a few important entries).

Kim, S. Paul and the New Perspective. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002.

Becker, J. Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles. Louisville: Westminster/Knox, 1993.

Ridderbos, H. Paul: An Outline of His Theology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1975.

Sanders, E. P. Paul, the Law and the Jewish People. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1984.

Westerholm, S. Israel's Law and the Church's Faith: Paul and His Recent Interpreters. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988. (O.P.--On reserve in library.)

Wright, N. T. What Saint Paul Really Said. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997.

1. Reading of assigned books and chapters.

2. An essay of 10-12 pp. on one of the Pauline topics to be announced by the professor.

NS501 or NS502.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament Theology (NTT).

Yes.