Spring 2010/Pasadena
NE502
Green

NE502: EXEGETICAL METHOD AND PRACTICE. Joel B. Green.


DESCRIPTION: This course introduces basic interpretive principles and practices for students of the Greek New Testament. Students will discuss exegetical aims and assumptions, become familiar with major resources for study of the New Testament, and practice a range of interpretive methods.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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 the New Testament for this most essential grace of working with these texts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will be able to

  1. articulate central concerns, strengths, and weaknesses of a range of methodological approaches comprising New Testament interpretation;

  2. determine what methods are appropriate to particular problems or questions in New Testament interpretation; and

  3. demonstrate skills in the exegesis of these New Testament texts at a level appropriate for effective leadership in Christian communities.

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:
González, J. L. Santa Biblia: The Bible through Hispanic Eyes. Nashville: Abingdon, 1996.

Green, J. B., ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2010.

________. Seized by Truth: The Bible as Christian Scripture. Nashville: Abingdon, 2007.

DeSilva, D. A. Honor, Patronage, Kinship & Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
Students will need to consult the following resources throughout the quarter:

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].

Danker, F. W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3d ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000 [BDAG].

Wallace, D. B. Greek Grammar beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.
For further resources, see the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
  1. Completion of assigned reading

  2. Three interpretive exercises on selected passages (2 pages each) (30% of final grade)

  3. A critical review of either González, Santa Biblia; or deSilva, Honor, Patronage, Kinship & Purity (4-5 pages) (30% of final grade)

  4. Research essay on a NT text (8-10 pages) (40% of final grade)

PREREQUISITES: LG512.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Hermeneutics (HERM).

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (Posted January 2010)