DESCRIPTION: This course is an exegetical study of the epistle to the Galatians, which seeks to develop confidence in interpreting the Greek text as well as familiarity with the main themes of this epistle, particularly its ecclesiology, understanding of salvation and of participation in Christ.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course, through discussions and assignments, will enable students to (1) better know and understand Galatians and its social and cultural context; (2) understand more about Paul's biography and his circumstances at the time that this epistle was written; (3) solidify and expand on earlier learning of the Greek language; (4) develop a responsible and engaging method of interpreting Galatians both in its context and for the church today.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Satisfactory completion of this course should increase the student's understanding of Galatians 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 twice weekly for two-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 Galatians. RSV or NRSV English translation and a critical text of the Greek New Testament (either a UBS 4th edition or Nestle-Aland 27th edition).

Barclay, John M. G. Obeying the Truth: A Study of Paul's Ethics in Galatians. T&T Clark, 1988.

Coursepack including readings from the following books:

Braxton, B. No Longer Slaves: Galatians and African American Experience. Liturgical Press, 2002.

Boyarin, D. A Radical Jew: Paul and the Politics of Identity. University of California Press, 1994.

Hays, R. B. The Faith of Jesus Christ: An Investigation of the Narrative Substructure of Gal. 3:1-4:11. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 2002.

In addition, students should select one of the following commentaries:

Longenecker, Richard. Galatians. WBC. Word Books, 1990.

Martyn, J. L. Galatians. Anchor Bible. Doubleday, 1997.

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

Bruce, F. F. The Epistle to the Galatians: A Commentary on the Greek Text. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1982.

Dunn, J. D. G. The Theology of Paul's Letter to the Galatians. New Testament Theology. Cambridge/New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993.