NE502
Gundry-Volf
NE502: EXEGETICAL METHOD. Judith Gundry-Volf.
DESCRIPTION:
- An introduction to biblical exegesis. Students will learn how to
exegete the New Testament in Greek, using lexica, concordances, grammars, the
synopsis of the four gospels, theological and exegetical dictionaries, and
other exegetical aids. In addition to the grammatical and historical aspects of
exegesis, the literary, sociological, and political dimensions of the texts
will also be studied. The goal is development of exegetical skill through
written exercises and short exegetical papers.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The ability to exegete the biblical texts is key to a vital and
faithful Christian ministry. Without it one more easily falls prey to
pre-conceived or inherited notions about the Bible and Christian faith and
confuses cultural trends with God's word. By applying their skills in biblical
exegesis, ministers will be able to clear the way for God's voice to be heard
amid the cacophony of voices in the contemporary marketplace of ideas.
COURSE FORMAT:
- A combination of lectures, discussion of the written assignments,
translation and work with the Greek text, and actual practice with exegetical
tools. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- A Greek New Testament. (UBS 4 or Nestle 27). Selected portions.
- Aland, K. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. 9th ed. Greek-English
edition. New York: American Bible Society, 1989. Selected portions.
- Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and
Pastors. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983.
- Hagner, D. A. Writing Exegesis and Research Papers in New Testament
Studies: A Guide for Seminarians. Pasadena: Fuller Theological Seminary,
1984.
- Porter, Stanley. Idioms of the Greek New Testament. 2nd ed.
Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Books, 1995.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Green, J. B., ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for
Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.
- Greenlee, J. H. A Concise Exegetical Grammar of NT Greek. Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986.
- Soulen, Richard. Handbook of Biblical Criticism. Rev. ed. Atlanta:
John Knox, 1981.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Reading of assigned texts.
- Written exercises.
- Two 5-page exegesis papers.
PREREQUISITES:
- LG512 or equivalent.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in hermeneutics (HERM).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- No.