Fall 2008/Pasadena
NE506
Downs
NE506: NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: THE PASTORAL EPISTLES. David J. Downs.
DESCRIPTION: This course will offer a detailed study of the Greek text of the
Pastoral Epistles, with particular attention given to the socio-historical
setting, canonical location, theological confession, and ecclesiological vision
of these letters.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1)
a thorough knowledge of the content and literary structure of the Greek text of
1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus; (2) an understanding of the historical and
cultural contexts in which these documents were composed; (3) comprehension of
some of the distinct theological and ethical emphases of each letter; and (4)
an ability to interpret the Pastoral Epistles as formative for Christian
ministry and discipleship.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Faithful exegesis of Christian Scripture is crucial
for responsible teaching and preaching. The Pastoral Epistles, in addition to
presenting a rich theology of God's grace in Christ, raise fascinating and
challenging questions about issues such as gender, church leadership, material
possessions, canon formation, and cultural engagement. This course provides
students an opportunity to engage these questions while developing competence
as interpreters of Scripture.
COURSE FORMAT: The course, which consists of discussion and lectures, will
meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. A good modern translation (RSV;
NRSV; NIV; etc.) and a critical text of the Greek New Testament (either a UBS
4th edition or Nestle-Aland 27th edition).
- Aageson, James W. Paul, the Pastoral Epistles, and the Early Church.
Library of Pauline Studies.
- Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2008.
- Course reader.
- One of the following commentaries:
- Marshall, I. Howard. The Pastoral Epistles: A
Critical and Exegetical Commentary. International Critical Commentary
Series. London: T & T Clark, 2004.
- Collins, Raymond F. 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy & Titus: A Commentary.
New Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2002.
- See also the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical
Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://www.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/084/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Young, Frances M. The Theology of the Pastoral Letters. New
Testament Theology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994.
- Harding, Mark. What Are They Saying about the Pastoral Epistles.
Mahwah, NJ: Paulist, 2001.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular preparation for and participation in class discussions of exegesis
of the text, including translation of the Greek (10%).
- Three papers (ca. 1,500 words each) dealing with issues of Greek grammar,
syntax, exegesis, and theology (20% each = 60%).
- Take-home final exam (30%).
PREREQUISITES: LG512, NE502, and NS501.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament
Exegesis (NTE).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes, take-home.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (7/08)