DESCRIPTION:

This exegetical study of Paul's letter to the Galatians will seek to: (1) trace Paul's argument as a whole and in each paragraph of the letter, (2) understand the theology of the letter to the Galatians, relating it especially to issues of Paul, Judaism, and his gentile mission, and (3) explore the relevance of Paul's statements in Galatians for Christian theology and practice today.

This letter has repeatedly proven central to the Church's understanding of salvation. We will experience how God's Word continues to challenge us in areas of dogmatic theology, inclusivism, ethics, etc.

The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions; class sessions will consist of reading/exegeting the Greek text of Galatians, lecture and discussion.

The Epistle to the Galatians. 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).

Dunn, J. D. G. The Theology of Paul's Letter to the Galatians. NT Theology. Cambridge/New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993.

At least one of the following commentaries:

Dunn, J. D. G. The Epistle to the Galatians. BNTC. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1993.

Longenecker, R. N. Galatians. WBC 41. Dallas: Word, 1990.

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

Barclay, J. M. G. Obeying the Truth. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1988; repr. 1991.

Betz, H. D. Galatians. Hermeneia; Philadelphia: Fortress, 1979.

Bruce, F. F. The Epistle to the Galatians. NIGTC; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.

Martyn, J. L. Galatians. AB 33A; New York: Doubleday, 1997.

• Written translation of the Greek text of Galatians along with notes from commentary and class sessions.

• Translation examination.

• Two-page position paper for church governing board on (a) Gal 1:8 and the limits of truth and heresy; (b) Gal 3:28 and women in ministry; or (c) Gal 5:4b and "falling away from grace."

• A ten-page exegesis paper on a paragraph from Galatians.

LG512; NE502; NS501.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament Exegesis (NTE).

None.