DESCRIPTION:

This course is an exegetical study of the epistles to the Colossians, which seeks to develop confidence in interpreting the Greek text as well as familiarity with the main themes of this epistle, particularly its Christology, understanding of salvation, and of the Christian life as "hidden in Christ with God."

Satisfactory completion of this course should increase the student's understanding of Colossians and its main themes, give practice and skill in exegesis of the Greek text, and deepen understanding of the scope of the life, death, and work of Jesus, and of one way in which his life and death were understood and interpreted by early believers.

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 epistle.

The Epistle to the Colossians. A good modern translation (RSV; NRSV; NIV; etc.) and a critical text of the Greek New Testament (either a UBS 4th edition or Nestle-Aland 27th edition).

Barclay, John M. G. Colossians and Philemon. New Testament Guides. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997.

Dunn, James D. G. The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

There are numerous commentaries and monographs relevant to the study of Colossians (and Philemon), and these will be discussed in class. Most are available in the bookstore and on reserve. Students may find the following particularly interesting or helpful.

Arnold, Clinton E. The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996.

Garland, David E. Colossians and Philemon. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998.

Harris, Murray J. Colossians & Philemon. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1991.

Lincoln, Andrew T. "Colossians." In The New Interpreter's Bible. Vol. 11. Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.

Wright, N. T. Colossians and Philemon. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Each student will prepare four passages during the quarter, and be prepared to translate the passage from the Greek, and to discuss exegetical and theological issues arising from the text. For each of these passages, the student will also submit a written assignment according to guidelines given in class.

2. A 7-10 page paper on the theology of Colossians.