DESCRIPTION: This course is an exegetical study of major sections in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, which seeks to develop confidence in interpreting the Greek text as well as familiarity with the major themes in this document, particularly focusing on the topics of suffering, leadership, ministry, and aid to the poor.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Second Corinthians is a crucial New Testament text for reflection on the nature of Christian ministry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course, through discussions and assignments, will enable students to (1) better know and understand 2 Corinthians and its social, cultural, and literary context; (2) understand more about Paul's theology of Christian ministry; (3) develop a responsible and engaging method of interpreting 2 Corinthians both in its context and for the church today; and (4) solidify and expand on earlier learning of the Greek language.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians. A critical text of the Greek New Testament (either a UBS 4th edition (ISBN: 3438051494; $34.95); or Nestle-Aland 27th edition (ISBN: 1598562002; $59.95).

Matera, Frank. II Corinthians. Westminster John Knox, 2003 (ISBN 0664221173; $40.00).

Course reader including selections from the following:

Furnish, Victor. II Corinthians. Anchor Bible 32A. Doubleday, 1984.

Savage, Timothy B. Power Through Weakness: Paul's Understanding of the Christian Ministry in 2 Corinthians. Cambridge University Press, 1996.

Wan, Sze-kar. Power in Weakness: Conflict and Rhetoric in Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians. Trinity Press International, 2000.

Marshall, Peter. Enmity in Corinth: Social Conventions in Paul's Relations with the Corinthians. J C B Mohr [Paul Siebeck], 1987.

Glancy, Jennifer A. "Boasting of Beatings (2 Corinthians 11:23-25)." JBL 123/1 (2004): 99-135.

Osei-Bonsu, Joseph. "Does 2 Cor 5:1-10 Teach the Reception of the Resurrection Body at the Moment of Death?" JSNT 28 (1986): 81-101.

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.

Murphy-O'Conner, Jerome. The Theology of the Second Letter to the Corinthians. Cambridge University Press, 1991 (ISBN 0521358981; $46.00).

1. Exegetical Working Papers: Students will choose a passage and prepare a three-page single-spaced summary of the exegetical and theological issues in that passage according to guidelines given in class, which will be used to lead the class discussion of these issues (30%).

2. Formal Exegetical Paper: Beginning with the working paper above, students will prepare a 10-15 page exegetical paper on the same passage (45%).

3. Journals: Using guidelines given in class, students will submit their translations of and reflections on the Greek text of 2 Corinthians (25%).