DESCRIPTION:

This is one course of a two-course sequence designed to provide a basic introduction to the NT, including not only the traditional elements of "Introduction" such as author, date, provenance, background, structure, and use of sources, but also the theologies of the various writings. The orientation is both historical and exegetical. The present course is devoted to the four Gospels, and traces their origin, interrelationship, and theological distinctives. Some attention will be given to the hermeneutical problem of preaching from the Gospels today.

An understanding of the Gospels is indispensable not only in teaching and preaching, but in developing a biblically informed theology that equips one for everyday living.

The course is based mainly around the lectures, but discussion with the active participation of the student will also be expected. The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Aland, K. Synopsis of the Four Gospels, Greek-English Version. American Bible Society, 1987.

The first half of the following two books, which are also useful for New Testament 2 (NS501):

Brown, R. E. An Introduction to the New Testament. Doubleday, 1997.

Ladd, G. E. A Theology of the New Testament. Eerdmans, rev. ed. (1993).

Gerhardsson, B. The Reliability of the Gospel Tradition. Hendrickson, 2001.

Hagner, D. A. "Interpreting the Gospels: The Landscape and the Quest" (to be handed out in class).

Two short papers on assigned subjects (but with some choice allowed). Midterm and final exams.

None, though Greek is desirable.

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

Yes.