DESCRIPTION: This course, taught in Spanish, is an exegetical study of Paul's letter to the Romans. It seeks to develop confidence in interpreting the Greek text as well as familiarity with the general background and theological teaching of the letter. The course intends to firm up the student's ability to exegete the Greek text through intensive practice.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: A key tool for the pastor/teacher who would be a responsible steward of the word of God is the ability to exegete the Greek text of the New Testament. To apply one's skills to Romans is at the same time to gain an understanding of Pauline writings and theology.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated

1. An understanding of the content and literary structure, as well as the historical and cultural contexts of the Epistle of Paul to the Romans;

2. An understanding of the theology of Romans and its relation to the theology of Paul as this is evidenced in his letters;

3. An awareness of contemporary debates in interpreting this epistle;

4. Proficiency in lexical semantics, in identifying grammatical constructions, in engaging in syntactical analyses, in diagramming passages, in translating with minimal lexical assistance, and in perform rudimentary exercises in text criticism in interpreting the Pauline epistles.

The Epistle to the Romans. A good modern Spanish translation (RV95, BLA, NVI).

Aland, B., et al. The Greek New Testament (with dictionary). 4th rev. ed. United Bible Societies, 1993. ISBN: 9783438051134. Pub price: $49.95 (Fuller price: $32.00).

Cranfield, C. E. B. La Epistola a los Romanos. Trans. D. R. Powell. Eerdmans, 1993. ISBN: 0802809227 (out of print; to be provided online under course e-reserves).

Donfried, Karl P. The Romans Debate. Augsburg, 1977. ISBN: 91808091046070, $22.99.

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.

1. Attendance & Class Participation (20%)

2. Two Class Presentations based on the Greek text (each 20%)

3. One Exegetical Paper of 10-15 pages on an assigned subject (40%)