DESCRIPTION:

This introduction to the four gospels introduces students to (1) the content of each of the Gospels; (2) the historical setting of the gospels and of the life of Jesus; and (3) the various methods appropriate to studying the gospels, and their implications for interpreting and understanding these beloved and familiar texts.

This course lays the foundation for the study of the Gospels. Satisfactory completion of the course should increase the student's confidence in reading, studying, and teaching the Gospels, as well as in understanding and interpreting the work of New Testament scholars.

Lectures and discussion based on reading the New Testament and secondary sources. The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Achtemeier, Paul; Joel Green; and Marianne Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001.

Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels, English Edition. OR Synopsis of the Four Gospels, Greek-English edition. United Bible Societies, 1993.

The following two books will be useful throughout the course for additional background reading, in preparing papers, and in study for the final examination. It is strongly recommended that students consider acquiring these useful tools:

Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993.

Green, J. B., S. McKnight, and I. H. Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. InterVarsity Press, 1992.

• Regular completion of the reading in the Gospels and secondary sources.

• Two short papers, covering various aspects of the Gospels and their study.

• A final examination, covering lectures and reading.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament "1" (NT1).

Yes.