DESCRIPTION: This course introduces exegetical tools, techniques, and theories for the study of the Greek New Testament. Students will discuss the aims and assumptions of exegesis, will become familiar with major tools and resources that aid in the exegesis of the Greek New Testament, and will practice (both inside and outside of class) the exegetical skills that they acquire. Special attention will be given to the importance of exegesis in the life of the church and the life of individual believers.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of completing this course, students will (1) be familiar with the various tools, techniques, and theoretical principles of exegesis of the Greek New Testament; (2) be equipped to recognize, research, and make informed decisions about interpretive issues/problems that abound in the Greek New Testament ; (3) see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both a divine and human work; (4) develop an appreciation for the place of responsible exegesis in the construction of theological commitments, pastoral and lay ministry, and personal spiritual growth.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course seeks to shape students into skilled interpreters/exegetes of the New Testament, a trait that is essential for responsible Christian preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and discipleship.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for ten weeks. The course will be a combination of lectures, class and group discussions of prepared assignments and/or various critical methodologies, and working through sample passages from the Greek New Testament.

REQUIRED READING:

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.

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

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

Scholer, D. M. A Basic Bibliographic Guide for New Testament Exegesis. 3rd ed. Incomplete and working draft as of March 2, 2007.

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 or at www.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/074/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.

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. 2nd ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft/United Bible Societies, 1994.

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

Erickson, R. J. A Beginners Guide to New Testament Exegesis: Taking the Fear out of Critical Method. InterVarsity Press, 2005.

Hagner, D. A. New Testament Exegesis and Research: A Guide for Seminarians. Pasadena, 1999.