DESCRIPTION:

This course will focus on detailed exegesis of portions of the Greek text of the epistle. Emphasis will be laid on a theological understanding but in a close relationship with an existential application. We will interpret Romans amongst other Pauline writings, but especially in the light of 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter in particular provides that kind of background which will help in a special way to bring to light the central message of Romans (Love, Truth, Unrighteousness).

This epistle has as its main theme the power of God for salvation for everybody who believes. How is this to be understood personally and socially? In order to find an answer to this we will look at Romans under a threefold perspective. Apart from getting practice and skill in translation and exegesis, we will try to understand something of this divine dynamics in terms of our personal transformation, our interrelation with our fellow people and our proclamation of this gospel to the world. Finally, we will address how all this is bound up with one another.

Lecture and discussion. The class will meet daily for four-hour sessions for two weeks.

The Epistle to the Romans. A good modern translation (RSV; NRSV; NIV; etc.).

A critical text of the Greek New Testament: Either

Aland, K.; M. Black; C. Martini; B. Metzger; and A. Wikgren, eds. The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. (revised). United Bible Societies, 1993. OR

Nestle, E. and Aland, K. Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1993.

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

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 many good commentaries and monographs on the Epistle. Students will be encouraged to become familiar with some of the outstanding commentaries so that their arguments can be brought into the class discussions.

Barth, Karl. The Epistle to the Romans. London, Oxford University Press, 1968.

Cranfield, C. E. B. On Romans and other New Testament Essays. T & T Clark, 1998.

Donfried, Karl P., ed. The Romans Debate. Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1995.

Fitzmyer, J. A. Romans. The Anchor Bible Vol. 33. Doubleday, 1992.

1. Regular preparation for and participation in class discussions of exegesis of the text, including translation of the Greek.

2. A 10-12 page paper on any exegetical issue in Romans (50% of grade).

LG512; NS501; NE502.

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

Yes (50% of grade).