Summer 2004/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: August 2-13
NE506
deSilva
NE506: NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: 1 PETER. David deSilva.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course invites students to explore the life situations faced
by early Christians in Asia Minor and the pastoral response and strategies
addressed to those situations in 1 Peter. Students will not only grow in their
mastery of content vis-a-vis an important witness to the apostolic message, but
also in their mastery of a broad array of exegetical skills as they apply the
elements of socio-rhetorical interpretation to the Greek text of 1 Peter. The
fruits of these investigations, moreover, will be brought to bear on the
challenges facing disciples and communities of faith in the global
church.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- First Peter addresses core issues of Christian identity, God's
vision for a renewed community, living with a view to the Christian hope,
witness, and perseverance in the face of resistance and hostility. The message
and resources of 1 Peter can energize ministries of pastoral counseling,
strengthen Christian community, and equip disciples to face opposition for
their confession and to strengthen other disciples who experience the same. The
letters also presents practical advice for developing a distinctive Christian
ethos, bearing witness, exercising leadership in the church, developing a
supportive and generous Christian community, and identifying and overcoming
various trials.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will be conducted in a seminar format, with time divided
between lecture and presentation of exegetical methods; discussion of student
translations of the Greek text; small group work in exegetical method; and
conversation about the meaning and application of God's word to us in 1 Peter.
The class will meet daily for two weeks for four-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Elliott, J. H. 1 Peter. Anchor Bible 37B. New York:
Doubleday, 2000.
- deSilva, D. A. Honor, Patronage, Kinship, and Purity: Unlocking New
Testament Culture. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
- Robbins, V. K. Exploring the Texture of Texts: A Guide to
Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation. Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press
International, 1996.
- See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic
Advising office.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Davids, P. H. The First Epistle of Peter. NICNT. Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1990.
- Marshall, I. H. 1 Peter. IVPNTC. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity,
1991.
- Michaels, J. R. 1 Peter. WBC. Waco, TX: Word, 1988.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- (1) A 12- to 15-page exegetical paper on an approved passage from 1
Peter; (2) daily translation of sections from the Greek text of 1 Peter; (3)
timely completion of reading assignments; (4) committed participation in
exegetical exercises in class and at home. The paper (due September 1st) and
Greek translations (due daily in class after the first session) will each be
weighted as a third of the student's final grade. Quality and consistency of
class participation (with advance preparation assumed) will supply the last
third. It is highly recommended that students complete as much of the
course readings as possible prior to the first class session.
PREREQUISITES: NE502 and NS501.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets M.Div. core requirement in New Testament
Exegesis (NTE).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.