DESCRIPTION:

An exegetical study of the epistle to the Hebrews based on its Greek text. The course aims (1) to enable students to sharpen the appropriate skills for interpreting a New Testament epistle, (2) to analyze the overall structure of the epistle and its argument, (3) to engage in in-depth study of key sections of the text, (4) to reflect on questions of authorship, setting, and purposes (5) to investigate the letter's theological perspectives, and (6) to explore issues of hermeneutics and critical appropriation.

Hebrews is a pastoral exhortation, a rich resource for reflecting on the church and ministry, speaking to such issues as discouragement, uncertainty, fear of death, and pressures from the surrounding society and its values. It offers assurance and hope, and calls for commitment and strong Christian community. Its perspectives on the word of God, on Christ's person and work in relation to Judaism, and on Christian existence in the world as pilgrimage and worship are of vital significance for contemporary theology and the life of the Church.

This intensive two-week course, meeting daily for four-hour sessions, will consist of lectures and class discussions of the text and of the issues it raises.

Hebrews in 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).

Bunyan, John. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. London: Penguin Books, 1987 (This classic is not usually read as an exposition of Hebrews, yet it is, among other things, exactly that (see pp. 7-67).

Hagner, D. A. Hebrews. NIBC. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1990.

Trotter, A.H. Interpreting the Epistle to the Hebrews. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1997. (Unlike Hagner, this is not a commentary but an exegetical handbook or how-to-do-it book focused specifically on Hebrews.).

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

Attridge, H. The Epistle to the Hebrews. Hermeneia. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1989.

Bruce, F. F. The Epistle to the Hebrews. Rev. ed. NICNT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.

Lane, W. L. Hebrews 1-8, 9-13. 2 vols. WBC 47A-B. Dallas: Word, 1991.

1. Reading and translation of a few sample sections of the Greek text of Hebrews.

2. A short paper (about 4 pages) reflecting on Bunyan's Grace Abounding as an exposition of Hebrews (you may if you like draw on Pilgrim's Progress as well), and on its implication for ministry or Christian nurture.

3. A longer exegetical paper (approx. 12 pages) on a selected passage (due August 20).

LG512, NE502, and NS501.

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

No.