Spring 2018/Pasadena

NE527

Hill

NE527: NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: HEBREWS. (4 Units: 160 hours). Craig Allen Hill.

DESCRIPTION: This course is an exegetical study of the epistle to the Hebrews. It seeks to develop confidence in interpreting the Greek text as well as familiarity with socio-historical, literary, and theological themes in this document, particularly its Christology, understanding of salvation, the various metaphors describing the significance of the person and work of Jesus, as well as the complexity of its Jewish and Hellenistic backgrounds.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated the ability (1) to interpret Hebrews within its socio-historical, literary, and canonical contexts; (2) to identify central issues in the critical study of Hebrews; (3) to articulate primary theological and ethical concerns of Hebrews; and (4) to use Greek based language tools for interpreting the text; and (5) to interpret this text for faithful use of Scripture in their own lives and ministries.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for three hour sessions for a total of 30 hours of classroom instruction for lecture and discussion plus 10 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours.

REQUIRED READING: 800 pages required.

Aland, K., et al. The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. United Bible Societies, 2000. 4th revised ed. UBS4]. ISBN: 978-3438051103, Pub. Price $43.99; OR Nestle, E., and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 28th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2012 [NA28]. ISBN: 978-3438051400, Pub. Price $57.99. Nestle, E., and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1993 [NA27]. ISBN: 978-3438051004, Pub. Price $40.99 is also allowed.

Bauckham, Richard, Daniel R. Driver, Trevor A. Hart, Nathan MacDonald, eds. The Epistle to the Hebrews and Christian Theology. Eerdmans, 2009. ISBN: 978-0802825889, Pub. Price $42.00 [200pp.].

For Required Assignments Students must use at least TWO of the following commentaries:

Cockerill, Gareth Lee. The Epistle to the Hebrews. New International Commentary on the New Testament 58. Eerdmans, 2012. ISBN: 978-0802824929, Pub. Price $60.00 [200pp.].

Koester, Craig R. Hebrews: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible 36. Yale University Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0300139891, Pub. Price $47.50 [400pp.].

Johnson, Luke Timothy. Hebrews: A Commentary. The New Testament Library. Westminster/John

Knox, 2006. ISBN: 978-0664239015, Pub. Price $50.00 [200 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Attridge, Harold W. The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. Hermeneia. Fortress Press, 1989. ISBN: 978-0800660215, Pub. Price $65.00.

Ellingworth, Paul. The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Commentary on the Greek Text. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Eerdmans, 1993. ISBN: 978-0802824202, Pub. Price $68.00.

Lane, William L. Hebrews. 2 vols. Word Biblical Commentary 47A–47B. Thomas Nelson, 1991. ISBN: 978-0849909351, Pub. Price $49.99 each vol.

There are numerous articles, commentaries, and monographs relevant to the study of Hebrews, and these will be discussed in class. Most are available in the bookstore and on reserve. For further resources, see “Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program” available at http://www.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/091/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 800 pages of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 5]. [65 hours].
  2. Preparation of an outline of the book of Hebrews along with identification of three of its overarching themes (2-3 pages) (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #3, 4, 5]. [5 hours].
  3. DLAs -Preparation for each course meeting by studying the Greek text of assigned passages, comparing one’s observations with at least one of the required commentaries, and preparing trans­lations as assigned to be submitted weekly (1 page each) (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #3, 4, 5]. [15 hours].
  4. Interpretive working papers on selected passages (ca. 1250 words each) (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 4]. [15 hours].
  5. A final exegetical research paper on one of several suggested passages in Hebrews (ca. 3000 words) (30%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 4]. [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: LG510 or LG512A/B or LG512; BI500 or NE502; NT500 or NS500 or NS501.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the Biblical Language Exegesis requirement in the 120 MDiv program. Meets the NTE in the 144 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.