DESCRIPTION: The course will engage in detailed exegesis of portions of the Greek text of Matthew. In addition to the historical and critical issues, we will pay special attention to the contemporary trends in the study of the Gospel as well as its unique characteristics, theology, and life-setting. The course intends to build upon exegetical methods and solidify exegesis of the Greek text through intensive practice.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student successfully completing this course will be able to

1. know and understand Matthew better.

2. develop ability in interpreting the Bible through reading and critical interaction via historical, cultural, literary, and other methods.

3. develop sensibilities in reading the Bible theologically in diverse contexts.

4. see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture.

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

Carter, Warren. Matthew and Empire: Initial Explorations. Trinity Press International, 2001.

Luz, Ulrich. The Theology of the Gospel of Matthew. Trans. J. B. Robinson. NTT. Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Stanton, G. N., ed. The Interpretation of Matthew. 2nd ed. T & T Clark, 1995.

One of the following sets:

Davies, W. D. and D. C. Allison. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel according to Saint Matthew. 3 vols. ICC. T & T Clark, 1988, 1991, 1997.

Hagner, D. A. Matthew. 2 vols. WBC. Word, 1993, 1995.

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

Anderson, Janice C. Matthew's Narrative Web: Over, and Over, and Over Again. JSOT Press, 1994.

Bauer, D. and M. Powell, eds. Treasures New and Old. Scholars Press, 1996.

Carter, Warren. Matthew and the Margins: A Sociopolitical and Religious Reading. JSNTSS 204. Sheffield Academic Press, 2000.

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

Overman, J. A. Church and Community in Crisis: The Gospel according to Matthew. Trinity Press, 1996.

Stanton, G. N. A Gospel for a New People: Studies in Matthew. Westminster/John Knox, 1992.

1. Preparation and presentation of assigned Greek passages (30%).

2. Two exegetical papers based on the Greek text (1500 words 20% each).

3. A paper on Matthean Theology (2000 words 30%).