NE506
M. Thompson
NE506: NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: GOSPEL OF JOHN. Marianne Meye Thompson
DESCRIPTION:
- This course is an exegetical study of the Gospel of John, which
seeks to develop confidence in interpreting the Greek text as well as
familiarity with the main themes of the gospel.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- For many Christians the most beloved of our Gospels is John, prized
above all for its distinctive portrayal of Jesus. And yet the Gospel also
presents distinctive challenges to interpretation. Satisfactory completion of
this course should increase the student's knowledge of the content of the
Fourth Gospel, give practice and skill in exegesis of it, and deepen
understanding of Jesus and the way in which he was understood and interpreted
by early believers.
COURSE FORMAT:
- There will be two main aspects to the course: (1) Class discussion
of the text, including translation of the Greek; (2) Lectures to facilitate
understanding of the text. The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour
sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- The Gospel of John. A good modern translation and a critical text
of the Greek New Testament (either a UBS 4th edition or Nestle-Aland 27th
edition).
- Smith, D. Moody. The Theology of the Gospel of John.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995.
- Either:
- Barrett, C. K. The Gospel According to St. John.
2nd ed. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1978. OR
- Brown, Raymond E. The Gospel According to John. Anchor Bible. 2
vols. New York: Doubleday, 1966, 1970.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- There are numerous good commentaries and monographs on the Gospel,
and these will be discussed in class. Most are available in the bookstore and
on reserve.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular preparation for and participation in class discussions of exegesis
of the text, including translation of the Greek.
- Several short exegetical assignments.
- A final examination; or an exegesis paper of a specific passage in
John.
PREREQUISITES:
- LG512, NS500 and NS501.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament Exegesis (NTE).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes, but students may elect to prepare an exegesis paper instead.