Winter 2013/Pasadena

NE502

Green

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

DESCRIPTION: This course introduces interpretive approaches 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, interpret a variety of NT texts, and discuss the manner in which the varied contexts (e.g., social, cultural, theological) of the biblical world and contemporary readers inform exegetical study.

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: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated:

1. the capacity to engage in close study of a variety of passages in the Greek NT prior to engaging in conversation with various scholarly resources;

2. judicious use of critical tools and resources for study of biblical texts, including lexicons and concordances;

3. practice with interpreting a variety of NT genres, with consideration of the varied contexts of both the biblical materials and contemporary readers; and

4. skill in developing interpretations that engage contemporary concerns, and that encourage and challenge the church to remain faithful to its mission.

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 (978-0687014521; $18).

Green, J. B., ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2010 (978-0802864208; $28).

________. Seized by Truth: The Bible as Christian Scripture. Nashville: Abingdon, 2007 (978-0687023554; $25).

DeSilva, D. A. Honor, Patronage, Kinship & Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2000 (978-0830815722; $26).

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] (978-3438051103; $43.99); or Nestle, E. & K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1993 [NA²⁷] (978-3438051004; $40.99); or Institute for New Testament Textual Research, Novum Testamentum Graece. 28thed. Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 2012. (978-1619700307; $59.95).

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] (978-0226039336; $165).

Wallace, D. B. Greek Grammar beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996 (978-0310218951; $44.99).

For further resources, see the Biblical Division bibliography “Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program” 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).