DESCRIPTION:

This course is an exegetical study of Paul's letter to the Romans. The goals are: (1) to understand Paul's purpose, structure and theology in Romans; (2) to understand Paul's argument in general and in each paragraph of the letter; (3) to relate Romans to the issues of Paul and the Law; (4) to relate Romans to the issues of Paul and Judaism and his gentile mission; and (5) to relate Romans to issues of faith and life in the Church today. The course will contribute in general to the student's exegetical and interpretive skills and appreciation of Scripture.

Romans remains one of the most influential and powerful documents in the history of the Church. It is a crucial New Testament text for issues of theology and ethics.

The course will consist of lectures, discussion and the reading of selected portions of the Greek text of Romans. The class will meet twice a week for two hours each time.

Cranfield, C. E. B. Romans: A Shorter Commentary. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1985.

Donfried, K. P. The Romans Debate. Rev. ed. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1991.

Fitzmyer, J. A. Romans: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. (Anchor Bible 33.) New York: Doubleday, 1993.

Grieb, A. K. The Story of Romans: A Narrative Defense of God's Righteousness. Louisville/London: Westminster John Knox, 2002.

Haacker, K. The Theology of Paul's Letter to the Romans. (New Testament Theology.) Cambridge/New York: Cambridge University Press, 2003.

See also the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office. Note that the N-A 27th edition is now in an updated 8th printing (2001).

Hay, D. M. and Johnson, E. E. Pauline Theology; Vol. 3: Romans. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995.

Esler, P. F. Conflict and Identity in Romans: The Social Setting of Paul's Letter. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2003.

Walters, J. C. Ethnic Issues in Paul's Letter to the Romans: Changing Self-Definitions in Earliest Roman Christianity. Valley Forge: Trinity Press International, 1993.

1. Translation of the Greek text of Romans 6, 11 and 15, tested in three written translation examinations (each examination is 10% of the grade).

2. An essay examination (given on the last day of the course) on the theology of Romans (30% of the grade).

3. A major exegesis paper (4,500-6,500 words) on an approved text in Romans (40% of the grade).

NE502 and NS501.

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

No.