Spring 2008/Pasadena
NE506
Green
NE506: NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: JAMES and 1 PETER. Joel B. Green.
DESCRIPTION: A close reading of the letters of James and 1 Peter with special
attention given to literary, socio-historical, and theological understandings
of the epistles.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will be
able to
- employ a range of exegetical approaches relevant to the interpretation of
James and 1 Peter, and to apply those approaches to other NT letters;
- understand James and 1 Peter within their socio-historical, literary, and
canonical contexts;
- identify central issues in the critical study of James and 1 Peter;
- articulate primary theological and ethical concerns of James and 1 Peter;
and
- demonstrate proficiency in lexical semantics, identify grammatical
constructions, engage in syntactical analyses, diagram passages, translate with
minimal lexical assistance, and perform rudimentary exercises in text criticism
in James and 1 Peter.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Central to Christian discipleship and the various
forms of Christian ministry is serious and faithful engagement with the
biblical texts read as Christian Scripture. This course focuses on the
development of competence among readers of New Testament letters for this most
essential grace of working with these texts.
COURSE FORMAT: This course is concerned with the practice of New Testament
exegesis. As a result, participation will require regular preparation and
exegetical practice. The course meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions for
lectures and regular discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- Choose one text from each of the following four sets:
- Either Aland, K., et al. The Greek New Testament. 4th ed.
United Bible Societies, 1993 [UBS4];
Or Nestle, E. & K. Aland.
Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1993
[NA27].
- Either Johnson, Luke Timothy. The Letter of James. Anchor
Bible 37A. Doubleday, 1995.
Or Martin, Ralph P. James. WBC
48. Word, 1988.
- Either Achtemeier, Paul J. A Commentary on First Peter.
Hermeneia. Fortress, 1996.
Or Green, Joel B. 1 Peter. Two
Horizons New Testament Commentary. Eerdmans, 2007.
- Either Hartin, Patrick J. A Spirituality of Perfection.
Liturgical Press, 1999.
Or Elliott, John H. Conflict, Community,
and Honor: 1 Peter in Social-Scientific Perspective. Wipf & Stock,
2007.
- Students will need to consult the following resources throughout the
quarter:
- Danker, F. W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New
Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3d ed. University of
Chicago Press, 2000 [BDAG].
- Wallace, D. B. Greek Grammar beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of
the New Testament. Zondervan, 1996.
- For further resources, see "Linguistic and Exegetical Books
Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available at http://www.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/082/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Preparation for each meeting of the course by carefully
reading the assigned texts in James or 1 Peter, comparing their observations
with at least one of the required commentaries, and preparing translations as
assigned weekly. (2) Preparation of an outline for each of these two books,
including justification for each decision (15% of final grade). (3) Two
interpretive exercises on selected passages (2 pages each) (20% of final
grade). (4) Serve as a "translation consultant" for one class meeting (10% of
final grade). (5) A critical review of either Hartin or Elliott (20% of final
grade). (6) Research essay on a NT text (8-10 pages) (35% of final grade).
PREREQUISITES: NE502 Exegetical Method and NS501 New Testament 2.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament
Exegesis (NTE).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (1/08)