DESCRIPTION:

The course is an introduction to exegetical methodology and hermeneutical reflection for the study of the New Testament, involving both principles and practice. Topics covered include reference tools, text criticism, lexicography and grammar, Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, exegetical considerations for the different genres within the New Testament, hermeneutical issues and perspectives, and English translations.

The ability to do careful exegesis of the Greek New Testament and to engage in responsible hermeneutical reflection are essential skills and understandings for good and faithful preaching and teaching in and for the Church.

The course will be a combination of lectures, discussion of exegetical and hermeneutical practice and issues, and involvement in several directed, short exegetical assignments. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Braaten, C. E. and Jenson, R. W. Reclaiming the Bible for the Church. Grand Rapids/Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans, 1995.

Danker, F. W. Multipurpose Tools for Bible Study. Rev. ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.

Green, J. B. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1995.

Scholer, D. M. A Basic Bibliographic Guide for New Testament Exegesis. Third edition in progress, 1997. Available at the Fuller Seminary Bookstore.

Tate, W. R. Biblical Interpretation: An Integrated Approach. 2nd ed. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1997.

[It is assumed that students will already have Bauer's Lexicon^2English (1979; or third edition, if available) and either GNT⁴ (1993) or N-A²⁷ (1993).]

Bray, G. Biblical Interpretation: Past & Present. Downers Grove/Leicester: InterVarsity, 1996.

Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. Rev. ed. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1993.

Ferguson, E. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1993.

Fitzmyer, J. A. Scripture, The Soul of Theology. New York/Mahwah: Paulist, 1994.

Metzger, B. M. A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament. 2nd ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft/United Bible Societies, 1994.

Pontifical Biblical Commission. The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church. Boston: Pauline Books & Media, 1993.

Zerwick, M. and Grosvenor, M. A Grammatical Analysis of the Greek New Testament. 4th ed. Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1993.

1. Four brief written assignments on specific New Testament texts dealing with text criticism, word studies, historical-cultural context, and exegetical-hermeneutical reflection.

2. An exegesis paper on a New Testament passage meant to bring together the whole range of exegetical and hermeneutical issues.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Hermeneutics (HERM).