DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to exegetical methodology and hermeneutical reflection for the study of the New Testament, involving both principles and practice. The student will gain a familiarity with the tools and techniques required for exegesis. Special attention will be given to the basis upon which exegetical decisions are made and to the fundamental hermeneutical questions involved in moving from exegesis to sermon.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable the student (1) better to know and understand the parts of the Bible that were covered; (2) to understand more about the literary features of various parts of the Bible; (3) better to understand the historical and cultural situations in which the Bible was written; (4) to develop ability in interpreting the Bible; (5) to see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture; (6) to have more enthusiasm for reading the Bible; (7) to use the Bible better in ministry; (8) to move towards a deeper obedience to Scripture in life; (9) to solidify earlier learning of the Greek language; (10) to apply earlier language learning to specific texts; (11) to understand such text-critical issues as have arisen in the texts studied.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Skillful exegesis is essential to one's understanding of the New Testament and is foundational to responsible teaching and preaching.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. The course will be a combination of lectures, student discussion of prepared assignments, and working through sample passages.

REQUIRED READING:

Black, D. A. and D. S. Dockery, eds. Interpreting the New Testament. Broadman & Holman, 2001.

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

Extended use of each of the following tools will be required for assignments throughout the quarter. See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

Aland, K. et al. The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. United Bible Societies, 1993; OR
Nestle, E. and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1993.

Aland, K. Synopsis of the Four Gospels: Greek-English Edition. . . . 10th ed. United Bible Societies, 1993 [Nestle-Aland26 and the RSV2].

Danker, F. W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. . . . University of Chicago Press, 2000.

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

Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics. Zondervan, 1996.

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

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