Spring 2009/Pasadena
NE506
Thompson
NE506: NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: GOSPEL OF JOHN. Marianne Meye Thompson.
DESCRIPTION: This course is an exegetical study of the Gospel of John, which
includes interpretation of selected passages of the Greek text with lecture and
discussion of the basic themes of the Gospel.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1)
a fundamental knowledge of the content and structure of the Gospel of John; (2)
the ability to use resources that inform our understanding of the text; (3)
skill in interpreting the text; and (4) an ability to reflect
theologically upon the central themes of the Gospel and its portrait of
Jesus.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: For many Christians the most beloved of our Gospels is
John, prized above all for its distinctive portrayal of Jesus. Increased
competence in interpretation of the text of the Gospel, familiarity with its
main themes, and an understanding of its distinctive features will contribute
to informed preaching and teaching from the Gospel, as well as to a deeper
understanding of the Gospel and of its distinctive portrait of Jesus for all
readers of the text.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for
discussion and lecture.
REQUIRED READING:
- The Gospel of John. 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).
- Koester, Craig. The Word of Life: A Theology of John's
Gospel. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008.
- See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical
Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://www.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/091/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.
RECOMMENDED READING AND RESOURCES:
- Beasley-Murray, George. John. Waco: Word, 1987.
- Lincoln, Andrew T. The Gospel According to Saint John. Peabody:
Hendrickson, 2005.
- Brown, Raymond E. The Gospel According to John. Anchor Bible. 2
vols. New York: Doubleday, 1966, 1970.
- Keener, Craig. The Gospel of John: A Commentary. 2 vols. Peabody:
Hendrickson, 2003.
- Ridderbos, Herman. The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary.
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997.
- Talbert, Charles H. Reading John: A Literary and Theological Commentary
on the Gospel of John and the Johannine Epistles. New York: Crossroad,
1992.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular preparation for and participation in class discussions of exegesis
of the text, including translation of the Greek.
- Three written assignments dealing with issues of Greek grammar, syntax,
exegesis, and theology; 66% of the final grade.
- A final paper; 33% of the final grade.
PREREQUISITES: LG512, NE502, and NS500.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament
Exegesis (NTE).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (1/09)