DESCRIPTION:

This course is an exegetical study of Paul's letter to the Romans. It seeks to develop confidence in interpreting the Greek text as well as familiarity with the argument and themes of this the most widely read of Paul's letters.

Satisfactory completion of this course should increase the student's understanding of Romans and its rich themes, and provide practice in exegeting the Greek text.

The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class time will be devoted to translation of the Greek, discussion of key exegetical points, and discussion of the theology of the letter.

The Letter to the Romans. A modern translation (NRSV, etc.) and a critical text of the Greek New Testament (either a UBS 4th edition or Nestle-Aland 27th edition).

Donfried, Karl. The Romans Debate: Revised and Expanded Edition. Hendrickson, 1991.

Sanders, E. P. Judaism: Practice and Belief, 63 BCE - 66 CE. Trinity Press, 1992.

Wedderburn, S. The Reasons for Romans. Fortress, 1988.

Westerholm, Stephen. Preface to the Study of Paul. Eerdmans, 1997.

The student is expected to work through one of the following commentaries:

Dunn, James. Romans. WBC. Word, c1988.

Fitzmyer, J. A. Romans: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. ABC. Doubleday, 1993.

Moo, D. The Epistle to the Romans. NICNT. Eerdmans, 1996

Stuhlmacher, Peter. Paul's Letter to the Romans: A Commentary. Westminster/John Knox, 1994.

Barrett, C. K. Paul: An Introduction to His Thought. Westminster/John Knox, 1994.

Cranfield, C. E. B. The Epistle to the Romans. ICC. T & T Clark, 1979.

Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Eerdmans, 1997.

Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 1993.

Hawthorne, G. F. and R. P. Martin, eds. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. InterVarsity, 1993.

Luther, Martin. Romans. Kregal, 1976.

Meeks, W. A. The First Urban Christians: The Social World of the Apostle Paul. Yale University Press, 1983.

Riesner, Rainer. Paul's Early Period: Chronology, Mission Strategy, Theology. Eerdmans, 1998.

Soderlund, S. and N. T. Wright, eds. Romans and the People of God. Eerdmans, 1999.

Wright, N. T. Climax of the Covenant: Christ and the Law in Pauline Theology. Fortress, 1991 (selections).

1. Each student will prepare three passages during the quarter, and be prepared to translate, and to discuss exegetical and theological issues arising from the text. For each of these passages, the student will also submit a written summary of two important exegetical issues.

2. Three in-class one-hour exams testing the student's knowledge of the Greek and of exegesis of the text.

3. A paper (up to 3,500 words including notes) on a passage or theological issue in Romans.