Spring 2003/Pasadena
NS588
Hagner
NS588: THE JEWISH CONTEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. Donald A. Hagner.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course provides an introduction to the history, literature,
and theology of Second Temple Judaism, focusing on the importance of the Jewish
context as the soil from which Christianity arose.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- An understanding of the Jewish background is vitally important to
the understanding of the New Testament and hence also to the preaching and
teaching ministry of the church. A proper understanding of Judaism is
increasingly important in our pluralistic world and vital for an ongoing,
fruitful dialogue between Christians and Jews. It is also crucial in the battle
against anti-Semitism.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will consist primarily of lectures and class discussion
of the reading. Student presentations will be given on selected subjects and on
selected Second Temple literature. Class will meet weekly for three-hour
sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Any modern translation of the Bible which contains the (OT)
Apocrypha.
- Selected documents of the Pseudepigrapha and portions of the Dead Sea
Scrolls, Josephus and Philo.
- deSilva, D. A. Introducing the Apocrypha: Message Context, and
Significance. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002.
- Helyer, L. R. Exploring Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period: A
Guide for New Testament Students. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press,
2002.
- Skarsaune, O. In the Shadow of the Temple: Jewish Influences on Early
Christianity. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2002.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Evans, C. A. and D. A. Hagner, eds. Anti-Semitism in Early
Christianity: Issues of Polemic and Faith. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.
- Nickelsburg, G. W. E. Jewish Literature Between the Bible and the
Mishnah: A Historical and Literary Introduction. Philadelphia: Fortress,
1981.
- Scott, J. J., Jr. Jewish Backgrounds to the New Testament. Grand
Rapids: Baker, 2001.
- Schiffman, L. H. From Text to Tradition: A History of Second Temple and
Rabbinic Judaism. Hoboken, NJ: KTAV, 1991.
- Stone, M. E. Scriptures, Sects and Visions: A Profile of Judaism from
Ezra to the Jewish Revolts. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1980.
- VanderKam, J. C. An Introduction to Early Judaism. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 2001.
- _________. The Dead Sea Scrolls Today. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,
1994.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Participation in discussions of assigned readings; report on
assigned topic to be presented in class (and turned in [3-5 pages]); 15-page
term paper.
PREREQUISITES:
- NS500 and NS501.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.Div. core requirement in New Testament Theology
(NTT).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- No.