DESCRIPTION:

This course is an exegetical study of the Gospel of John, which seeks to develop confidence in interpreting the Greek text as well as familiarity with the main themes of the gospel.

For many Christians the most beloved of our Gospels is John, prized above all for its distinctive portrayal of Jesus. And yet the Gospel also presents distinctive challenges to interpretation. Satisfactory completion of this course should increase the student's knowledge of the content of the Fourth Gospel, give practice and skill in exegesis of it, and deepen understanding of Jesus and the way in which he was understood and interpreted by early believers.

There will be two main aspects to the course: (1) Class discussion of the text, including translation of the Greek; (2) Lectures to facilitate understanding of the text. The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

The Gospel of John. A good modern translation (RSV; NRSV; NIV; etc.) and a critical text of the Greek New Testament (either a UBS 4th edition or Nestle-Aland 27th edition).

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

There are numerous good commentaries and monographs on the Gospel, and these will be discussed in class. Students are encouraged to become familiar with some of the outstanding commentaries that have been produced on the Gospel of John. Most are available in the bookstore and on reserve.

Beasley-Murray, George. John. Waco: Word, 1987.

Brown, Raymond E. The Gospel According to John. Anchor Bible. 2 vols. New York: Doubleday, 1966, 1970.

Ridderbos, Hermann. The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997.

1. Regular preparation for and participation in class discussions of exegesis of the text, including translation of the Greek.

2. Three written assignments dealing with issues of Greek grammar, syntax, exegesis, and theology.

3. A final examination.

NE502 and NS500.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament Exegesis (NTE).

Yes.