NS574
Hansen
NS574: SECOND TEMPLE JUDAISM AND PAUL. G. Walter Hansen.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course explores some themes in the Jewish literature of the
second temple period and relates those themes to parallels in Paul's letters.
Our goal is a clarification of Pauline theology in the light of his Jewish
background. We will investigate such themes as Jewish exegetical methods, God,
divine agents, covenant, law, righteousness, temple, deliverance, judgment,
community life, personal piety, and ministry.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Paul called himself a Hebrew of Hebrews and a Pharisee. Therefore,
a clear understanding of Paul's theology requires some knowledge of the Judaism
of the first century. Furthermore, a study of Paul's Jewish backgrounds
provides insights into his approach to ethics and ministry.
COURSE FORMAT:
- Lectures and discussion. The class will meet weekly for three-hour
sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Nickelsburg, G. W. E. Jewish Literature Between the Bible and
the Mishnah: A Historical and Literary Introduction. Philadelphia:
Fortress, 1981.
- Nickelsburg, G. W. E and Stone, M.E. Faith and Piety in Early Judaism:
Texts and Documents. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1983.
- Sanders, E. P. Paul and Palestinian Judaism: A Comparison of Patterns of
Religion. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1977.
- Stendahl, Krister. Paul Among Jews and Gentiles. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1976.
- Westerholm, Stephen. Preface to the Study of Paul. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997.
- Selected readings from the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Dead Sea Scrolls,
Philo, Josephus, and the Mishnah.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Charlesworth, J. H. ed. The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha. 2
vols. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1983-1985.
- Stone, Michael E. Jewish Writings of the Second Temple Period.
Philadelphia: Fortress, 1984.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- One fifteen-page paper and one reading report to be presented in
class.
PREREQUISITES:
- NS501.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.Div. core requirement in New Testament Theology
(NTT).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.