DESCRIPTION:

This introduction to the four gospels introduces students to (1) the content of each of the Gospels; (2) the historical setting of the gospels and of the life of Jesus; and (3) the various methods appropriate to studying the gospels, and their implications for interpreting and understanding these beloved and familiar texts.

This course lays the foundation for the study of the Gospels. Satisfactory completion of the course should increase the student's confidence in reading, studying, and teaching the Gospels, as well as in understanding and interpreting the work of New Testament scholars.

Lectures and discussion based on reading the New Testament and secondary sources. The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Aland, K. Synopsis of the Four Gospels: Greek-English Edition. . . . 10th ed. United Bible Societies, 1993 [Nestle-Aland26 and the RSV2]. OR the same synopsis in English only.

Bauckham, Richard, ed. The Gospels for All Christians: Rethinking the Gospel Audiences. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.

Cohen, Shaye. From the Maccabees to the Mishnah. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1987.

Powell, Mark Allan. Fortress Introduction to the Gospels. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1998.

Green, J. B., S. McKnight, and I. H. Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. InterVarsity, 1992.

1. Regular completion of the reading in the Gospels and secondary sources.

2. Short, written assignments, covering various aspects of the Gospels and their study.

3. A final examination, covering lectures and reading.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament "1" (NT1).

Yes.