Winter 2005/Pasadena
NE506
M. Thompson
NE506: NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: COLOSSIANS. Marianne Meye Thompson.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course is an exegetical study of the epistles to the
Colossians, which seeks to develop confidence in interpreting the Greek text as
well as familiarity with the main themes of this epistle, particularly its
Christology, understanding of salvation, and of the Christian life as "hidden
in Christ with God."
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Satisfactory completion of this course should increase the
student's understanding of Colossians and its main themes, give practice and
skill in exegesis of the Greek text, and deepen understanding of the scope of
the life, death, and work of Jesus, and of one way in which his life and death
were understood and interpreted by early believers.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions. Class time
will be devoted to translation of the Greek, discussion of key exegetical
points, and discussion of the theology of the epistle.
REQUIRED READING:
- The Epistle to the Colossians. A good modern translation (RSV;
NRSV; NIV; etc.) and a critical text of the Greek New Testament (either a UBS
4th edition or Nestle-Aland 27th edition).
- Barclay, John M. G. Colossians and Philemon. New Testament
Guides. Sheffield Academic Press, 1997.
- Dunn, James D. G. The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon.
New International Greek Testament Commentary. Eerdmans, 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:
- There are numerous commentaries and monographs relevant to the
study of Colossians (and Philemon), and these will be discussed in class. Most
are available in the bookstore and on reserve. Students may find the following
particularly interesting or helpful.
- Garland, David E. Colossians and Philemon. The NIV
Application Commentary. Zondervan, 1998.
- Harris, Murray J. Colossians & Philemon. Exegetical Guide to the
Greek New Testament. Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1991.
- Lincoln, Andrew T. "Colossians." In The New Interpreter's Bible.
Vol. 11. Abingdon, 2000.
- Thompson, Marianne Meye. Draft of a commentary on Colossians and Philemon
for The Two Horizons Commentary (Eerdmans).
- Wright, N. T. Colossians and Philemon. Tyndale New Testament
Commentaries. Eerdmans, 1986.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Each student will prepare three passages during the quarter, and be
prepared to translate the passage from the Greek, and to discuss exegetical and
theological issues arising from the text. For each of these passages, the
student will also submit a written assignment according to guidelines given in
class.
- An original paraphrase of Colossians; details in class.
PREREQUISITES: NE502 and NS501.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament
Exegesis (NTE).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.