Fall 2006/Pasadena
NE506
Hagner

NE506: NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: MATTHEW. Donald A. Hagner.


DESCRIPTION: Detailed exegesis of portions of the Greek text of Matthew, using the Aland synopsis, with special attention given especially to the unique characteristics of Matthew, its theology, and its life-setting. Contemporary trends in the study of the Gospel will be looked at, including structuralism and narrative-critical approaches, among others. The course intends to firm up the student's ability to exegete the Greek text through intensive practice.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, students should

  1. improve their skills in Greek exegesis;

  2. arrive at an adequate understanding of the Gospel of Matthew;

  3. come to an appreciation of Matthew's uniqueness among the Synoptics;

  4. be able to deal with the hermeneutical challenge of applying Matthew to today's church.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: A key tool for the pastor/teacher who would be a responsible steward of the word of God is the ability to exegete the Greek text of the New Testament. Students will also gain understanding of the Gospel of Matthew, its meaning for today and its potential for preaching.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for a three-hour session. This is not primarily a lecture course, although some lectures may be given. It is a hands-on course in which the student will be expected to be actively engaged in the exegetical process in class, through the sharing of specific research assignments. The Greek text of Matthew will be the focus of work in the classroom.

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

Hagner, D. A. Matthew. 2 vols. (Word Biblical Commentary). Dallas: Word, 1993, 1995.

__________. New Testament Exegesis and Research: A Guide for Seminarians. Fuller Seminary Press, 1999.
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:
Bauer, David and Mark Powell, eds. Treasures New and Old. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1996.

France, R. T. Matthew: Evangelist and Teacher. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1989.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Preparation of assigned Greek passages.

  2. Weekly research assignments.

  3. Term paper.

PREREQUISITES: LG512; NE502; NS500.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament Exegesis (NTE).

FINAL EXAMINATION: No.