DESCRIPTION:

The course is an introduction to exegetical methodology and hermeneutical reflection for the study of the New Testament, involving both principles and practice. Topics covered include reference tools, text criticism, lexicography and grammar, Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, exegetical considerations for the different genres within the New Testament, hermeneutical issues and perspectives, and English translations.

The ability to do careful exegesis of the Greek New Testament and to engage in responsible hermeneutical reflection are essential skills and understandings for good and faithful preaching and teaching in and for the Church.

The course will be a combination of lectures, discussion of exegetical and hermeneutical practice and issues, and involvement in several directed, short exegetical assignments. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Danker, F. W. Multipurpose Tools for Bible Study. Rev. ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.

DeMoss, M. S. Pocket Dictionary for the Study of New Testament Greek. Downers Grove, InterVarsity Press, 2001.

Green, J. B. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1995.

Pontifical Biblical Commission. The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church. Boston: Pauline Books & Media, 1993.

Scholer, D. M. A Basic Bibliographic Guide for New Testament Exegesis. Third edition in progress, 2004. Available at the Fuller Seminary Bookstore.

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

Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. 3rd ed. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 2002.

Ferguson, E. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 2003.

Fitzmyer, J. A. Scripture, The Soul of Theology. New York/Mahwah: Paulist, 1994.

Kling, D. W. The Bible in History: How the Texts Have Shaped the Times. Oxford/New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.

Metzger, B. M. A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament. 2nd ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft/United Bible Societies, 1994.

Tate, W. R. Biblical Interpretation: An Integrated Approach. 2nd ed. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1997.

Zerwick, M. and Grosvenor, M. A Grammatical Analysis of the Greek New Testament. 5th ed. Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1996.

(1) Four brief written assignments on specific New Testament texts dealing with text criticism, word studies, historical-cultural context, and exegetical-hermeneutical reflection [each 15% of the grade]. (2) An exegesis paper on a New Testament passage meant to bring together the whole range of exegetical and hermeneutical issues [40% of the grade].