NS500: NEW TESTAMENT 1: GOSPELS. Bruce Norman Fisk.

DESCRIPTION:

This introduction to the four gospels introduces students to (1) the content of each of the Gospels; (2) the historical setting of the gospels and of the life of Jesus; and (3) the various methods appropriate to studying the gospels, and their implications for interpreting and understanding these beloved and familiar texts.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:

This course lays the foundation for the study of the Gospels. Successful students will gain confidence in reading, studying, and teaching the Gospels, as well as in understanding and interpreting the work of New Testament scholars.

COURSE FORMAT:

Lectures and discussion based on reading the New Testament and secondary sources. The course will meet once weekly for three-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

• Achtemeier, Paul; Joel Green; and Marianne Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001.
• Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels, English Edition. OR Synopsis of the Four Gospels, Greek-English edition. United Bible Societies, 1993.
• Theissen, Gerd. The Shadow of the Galilean. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1987.

The following books will be useful for additional background reading, in preparing papers, and in study for the final examination. Wise students will consider acquiring, or at least regularly consulting, these various tools.

• Green, J. B., S. McKnight, and I. H. Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. InterVarsity, 1992.
• Hanson, K. C. and D. E. Oakman, Palestine in the Time of Jesus: Social Structures and Social Conflicts. Fortress, 1998.
• Jeffers, James S. The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era: Exploring the Background of Early Christianity. IVP, 1999.
• Powell, Mark Allan. Jesus as a Figure in History: How the Modern Historians View the Man from Galilee. Louisville: Westminster/JKP, 1998.

ASSIGNMENTS:

• Regular completion of the reading in the Gospels and secondary sources.
• Synopsis underlining exercise and accompanying brief Reflection Paper
• Paper situating a theme, topic or passage in the Gospels in its Jewish and/or Greco-Roman social context.
• A final examination, covering lectures and readings.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament "1" (NT1).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.