Spring 2011/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.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.
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.
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).
- Course reader.
- One of the following monographs:
- Aageson, James W. Paul, the Pastoral Epistles, and
the Early Church. Library of Pauline Studies. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson,
2008. 0801045401. $25.
- Tamez, Elsa. Struggles for Power in Early Christianity: A Study of the
First Letter to Timothy. Trans. Gloria Kinsler. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2007.
1570757089. $22.
- One of the following commentaries:
- Collins, Raymond F. 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy &
Titus: A Commentary. New Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John
Knox, 2002. 0664222471. $40.
- Marshall, I. Howard. The Pastoral Epistles: A Critical and Exegetical
Commentary. International Critical Commentary Series. London: T & T
Clark, 2004. 0567084558. $55.
- 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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Harding, Mark. What Are They Saying about the Pastoral
Epistles. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist, 2001. 0809139758. $12.95.
- Johnson, Luke Timothy. The First and Second Letters to Timothy: A New
Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. New York:
Doubleday, 2001. 0385484224. $50.
- Towner, Philip H. The Letters to Timothy and Titus. New
International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006.
0802825133. $58.
- Young, Frances M. The Theology of the Pastoral Letters. New
Testament Theology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994. 0521379318.
$36.99.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
- Regular preparation for and participation in class discussions of exegesis
of the text, including translation of the Greek (20%).
- Two papers (ca. 2,000 words each) dealing with issues of Greek grammar,
syntax, exegesis, and theology (15% and 25% = 40%).
- Four short reading response papers (ca. 750 words each) on assigned
articles (20%).
- Take-home final exam (20%).
PREREQUISITES: LG512, NE502, and NS501.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament
Exegesis (NTE) and MA program requirements for New Testament book study
(NTBK).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes, take-home.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (January 2011)