DESCRIPTION: This course introduces interpretive principles and practices for students of the Greek New Testament. It emphasizes the value of various methods for understanding NT texts in light of exegetical aims and assumptions. Students receive guidance in assessing various types of evidence, in the proper use of reference tools, and in the role of presuppositions in exegesis.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Anyone who wishes to minister from a biblical basis must become aware of the impact of method and approach upon one's reading of the NT.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated (1) ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a range of interpretive methods for the study of particular NT texts, and to apply these methods accordingly; (2) ability to articulate the impact of their own social location upon their reading of NT texts; and (3) a level of interpretive skill appropriate for effective leadership in Christian communities.

COURSE FORMAT: Roughly one-third of class time will be dedicated to lectures on method, two-thirds to hands-on application. A high degree of student participation is expected; students will be responsible for preparing assigned passages of the Greek NT to discuss in class. Class will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions for five weeks.

REQUIRED READING:

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

Green, Joel 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. To be read by the first day of class.

DeSilva, D. A. Honor, Patronage, Kinship & Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Students will be expected to consult the following throughout the quarter:

Either Aland, B. et al., eds. The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. United Bible Societies, 1994 or idem, Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1993.

Bauer, W., F. W. Danker, W. F. Arndt, and F. W. Gingrich. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. University of Chicago Press, 2000.

Metzger, Bruce M. A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament. 2nd ed. New York: American Bible Society, 1994.

Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

See in addition 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 and in the Academic Advising office.

Patte, Daniel. Ethics of Biblical Interpretation: A Reevaluation. Westminster John Knox, 1995.

Segovia, Fernando F. Decolonizing Biblical Studies: A View from the Margins. Orbis, 2000.

1. Completion of assigned reading (Green's Seized by Truth to be read by the first day of class).

2. Weekly exegetical assignments (30% of final grade).

3. A critical book review (30% of final grade)

4. Exegetical/research paper on an assigned NT passage; 8-10 pages (40% of final grade).