2NT716 THE TEXT AND CANON OF SCRIPTURE Instructor, C. E. Hill

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1 2NT716 THE TEXT AND CANON OF SCRIPTURE Instructor, C. E. Hill RTS Orlando Thursdays 2:00-4:00 Fall 2017 Office Hours: Wed ; Th Course Description A study of the text and canon of scripture, focusing critically on seminal writings from antiquity and on contemporary research. The course will consist of readings, discussions, some lectures, and student presentations of research. Required Texts. Note: you may not need to buy them all but you will have some readings from each. We will be reading a number of articles as well, most of which will be posted online. Hill, C. E., Who Chose the Gospels? Probing the Great Gospel Conspiracy (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010) Holmes, Michael, ed., The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations (hardback) third edn. (Baker, 2007) Hurtado, Larry, The Earliest Christian Artifacts. Manuscripts and Christian Origins (Grand Rapids/Cambridge: Eerdmans, 2006) Kruger, Michael J., Canon Revisited (Crossway, 2012) Kruger, Michael J., The Question of Canon: Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate (IVP Academic, 2013) Texts. Consider adding many of these to your library! Aland, K. and B. Aland, The Text of the New Testament. An Introduction to the Critical Editions and to the Theory and Practice of Modern Textual Criticism (Eerdmans, 1995) Auwers, J-M and H.J. de Jonge, eds., The Biblical Canons (Peeters, 2003) Burke, Tony, Secret Scriptures: A New Introduction to the Christian Apocrypha (Eerdmans, 2013) Beckwith, Roger, The Old Testament Canon of the New Testament Church: And Its Background in Early Judaism (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986) Comfort, Philip W., New Testament Text and Translation Commentary (Carole Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Encountering the Manuscripts: An Introduction to New Testament Paleography & Textual Criticism (B&H Academic, 2005) Comfort, Philip. W. and David P. Barrett, The Text of the Earliest New Testament Greek Manuscripts (Wheaton; Tyndale House, 2001) Ehrman, Bart, Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why (San Francisco: HarperCollins Publishers, 2006), Lost Scriptures: Books that Did Not Make It into the New Testament (Oxford, 2005) Elliott, J. K., The Apocryphal New Testament: A Collection of Apocryphal Christian Literature in an English Translation (Oxford, 2005)

2 Eusebius of Caesarea, The Ecclesiastical History, 2 vols., tr. Kirsopp Lake, Loeb Classical Library (Cambridge/London: Harvard University Press/William Heinemann, 1926 ) Evans, Craig, Ancient Texts for New Testament Studies: A Guide to the Background Literature (Hendrickson, 2005) Evans, Craig, and Emmanuel Tov, eds, Exploring the Origins of the Bible: Canon Formation in Historical, Literary, and Theological Perspective (Acadia Studies in Bible and Theology) Gamble, Harry Y., Books and Readers in the Early Church (Yale University Press, 1997) Hill, Charles E., The Johannine Corpus in the Early Church (Oxford, 2004 [get the paperback, 2006]) Hill, Charles E. and Michael J. Kruger, The Early Text of the New Testament (Oxford, 2012) Hengel, Martin, The Septuagint as Christian Scripture. Its Prehistory and the Problem of its Canon, with the assistance of Roland Deines, Introduction by Robert Hanhart, Translated by Mark E. Biddle (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004) Köstenberger, Andreas, and Michael Kruger, The Heresy of Orthodoxy (Crossway, 2010) McDonald, Lee M., The Biblical Canon (Hendrickson, 2007) McDonald, Lee and J. A. Sanders, eds., The Canon Debate (Hendrickson, 2002) Metzger, Bruce, The Canon of the New Testament: Its Origin, Development, and Significance (Oxford, 1997) Metzger, Bruce and Bart Ehrman, The Text of the New Testament fourth edition (Oxford, 2005) Parker, David C., An Introduction to the New Testament Manuscripts and their Texts (Cambridge, 2008) Porter, Stanley E., How We Got the New Testament: Text, Transmission, Translation (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013 Porter, Stanley and Andrew Pitts, Fundamentals of New Testament Textual Criticism (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2015) Ridderbos, Herman, Redemptive History and the New Testament Scriptures, Biblical and Theological Studies (P&R, 1988) Stewart, Robert, ed., The Reliability of the New Testament: Bart Ehrman and Daniel Wallace in Dialogue (Fortress, 2011) Swanson, Reuben J., Galatians, New Testament Greek Manuscripts: Variant Readings Arranged in Horizontal Lines against Codex Vaticanus (Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1999) there are 8 other books in this series: the 4 Gospels, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians Tov, Emanuel, Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible (Fortress, 3 rd edn., 2011) Ulrich, Eugene, The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Origins of the Bible (Grand Rapids/ Cambridge/ et al.: Eerdmans/Brill, 1999), Vaganay, Leon, An Introduction to New Testament Textual Criticism, 2 nd edn. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991) Wegner, Paul, A Student s Guide to Textual Criticism of the Bible. Its History, Methods and Results (IVP Academic, 2006) 2

3 3 Wachtel, Klaus and Michael W. Holmes, eds., The Textual History of the Greek New Testament: Changing Views in Contemporary Research (Society of Biblical Literature, 2011) Classroom Procedure Generally, at least half of the semester s meetings will consist of the discussion of readings, with the occasional lecture/soliloquy by the instructor. The last classes will consist of seminar presentations by the students, presenting papers, approximately 40 minutes in length, and discussion of those papers. Assignments and Grading COMPONENT % OF GRADE Summary of Reading and Discussion 30 Terminology Quiz 10 Research paper Classroom presentation 20 Final paper The Research Paper is to be on some aspect of the textual criticism of the Bible or the canon of the Bible. The particular topic must be approved in advance by the instructor. This could be the study of a selected text critical problem, the study of a particular manuscript or group of manuscripts, the study of the witness of a Father or a text, a synthetic study of a theme or topic in the history of the canon, focusing on Scripture or on post-canonical history. Alternatively, it may be a critical interaction with a modern author on the text or canon of Scripture. Students will be assigned a one-hour slot in class in which to present and then defend their papers. All other students will submit a grade for this presentation (to be considered by the instructor). The papers may then be rewritten and will be submitted at the end of the semester. Paper Requirements for 2NT716 Text and Canon (Note, these only apply to the final paper which you turn in, not to the paper you present in class.) 1. Length. The paper will have a strict word limit of 8,000 words, footnotes included but bibliographies not included (pictures and captions not included). 2. Format. The body of the paper should be in 12 point font, 1.5 line-spaced. Please use footnotes rather than endnotes. Footnotes may be no smaller than 10 point, singlespaced. 3. Citation. Any consistent system of citation is acceptable, within these parameters: first reference to a source must give full bibliographic information; thereafter simply cite the author, an abbreviated title (if your paper uses only one work by a particular author, you may omit the abbreviated title), and page number. 4. Bibliography. Begin the Bibliography on a separate page. List in alphabetical order (by author s last name) all works cited in the paper.

4 4 Summary of Reading and Discussion means that two to four times in the semester (depending upon the enrollment) each student will be responsible for summarizing that week s readings and leading a discussion based on notes/questions from the readings, for the first hour of class. The notes for your presentation must be handed in after the presentation. Terminology Quiz. In addition, the student will take one quiz over basic terminology relevant to canon and textual criticism. Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes. *As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in Articulation (oral & written) Scripture Reformed Theology this syllabus. Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. Rubric Strong Moderate Minimal None Strong Strong Moderate Mini-Justification Students will prepare and orally deliver a paper on an aspect of the textual criticism or the canon of the New Testament. Some of the content of Scripture is studied in detail in terms of its text and the manuscripts which represent it. The whole subject of canon is concerned with Scripture. Stress on the doctrine of Scripture as expressed in the WCF and other Reformed confessional documents. Sanctification Desire for Worldview Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. Minimal Moderate Although one could be a complete louse and be an expert on technical matters of canon and textual criticism, a proper approach and appropriation of this material will of great advantage to the ongoing process of the believer s sanctification. Understanding the origins of the text and the formation of the Biblical canon is foundational to an informed Christian world and life view.

5 5 Winsomely Reformed Preach Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non- Christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.) Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. Moderate Minimal What could be more winsomely Reformed than the study of textual criticism? No preaching techniques are offered here, only part of the essential knowledge on which sound preaching is based. Worship Shepherd Church/ World Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christian-worship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-christians, both in America and worldwide. Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. Minimal Minimal Minimal No study of worship forms or construction of a worship service only some foundational knowledge for the preacher of God s Word. The shepherd should be better equipped to guard and feed the sheep through successful completion of this course. This course should help to keep denominational and wider ecumenical activity on the right foundation.

6 6 Schedule for 2NT716 Text and Canon, Fall 2016 C. E. Hill KEY = item on the course website All other items in assigned texts, in library, or on internet Week Date Topic Readings 1 A 31 Intro. Nehemiah 8-10; Jer ; Ezek. 7.26; OT Canon Luke ; Heb Maccabees 4:46-47; 9:27; 14:41-45 (Israel lacked a prophet) Prologue to Sirach Josephus, Contra Apionem Ezra 14 t. Sotah 13.3: When the latter prophets died, that is, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, then the Holy Spirit came to an end in Israel. Translation by J. Neusner, The Tosefta, 2 vols. (Peabody, Mass., 2002), Philo, Contempl. Life ; Stephen Dempster, Torah, Torah, Torah: The Emergence of the Tripartite Canon, Ch. 3 in Evans and Tov, eds, Exploring the Origins of the Bible, (41 pp.) IN CLASS 1 st hour: Syllabus/Schedule Assignment of Discussions. Questions, areas of research. 2 nd hour: Discussion of readings. 2 S 7 OT Canon: Letter of Aristeas, at least The LXX; Philo, Life of Moses Apocrypha Josephus, Contra Apionem (again) Melito in Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiastica ; Irenaeus, Against Heresies (cf. Euseb., HE 5.8) Origen in Eusebius, HE ; Correspondence betw. Africanus and Origen (7 pp.) Augustine, On Christian Doctrine 2.(8).13 Robert Hanhart, Introduction. Problems in the History of the LXX Text from Its Beginnings to Origen, in Martin Hengel, The Septuagint as Christian Scripture. (17 pp.) Peter Gentry, Review of The Septuagint as Christian Scripture, Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin 51 (2006), (3pp.)

7 7 Ed Gallagher, The Date Criterion (6pp.) Stephen Dempster, Canons on the Right and Canons on the Left: Finding a Resolution in the Canon Debate, JETS 52 (2009), (31 pp.) Canon Debate Appendix C (for reference) About 69 pages Beckwith, Roger, The Old Testament Canon of the New Testament Church: And Its Background in Early Judaism F.E. Greenspahn, Why Prophecy Ceased, JBL 108 (1989): R. Glenn Wooden, The Role of the Septuagint in the Formation of the Biblical Canons Ch. 4 in Evans and Tov, eds, Exploring the Origins of the Bible W. Bredenhof, Guy de Brès and the Apocrypha, WTJ 74 (2012), R. Meyer, profh/thv, TDNT ; S. Mason, Josephus and His Twenty-Two Book Canon, in McDonald and Sanders, Canon Debate, ; Try to find: b.yoma 21b; t. Yad ; b. B. Bathra 14b 15a; b. Sota 48b IN CLASS: Discussion of Readings, Professor Lecture: Hill, The OT Canon in the Early Church 3 S 14 OT Text Peter Gentry, The Text of the Old Testament, JETS 52 (2009), (27 pp.) Arie van der Kooij, The Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible before and after the Qumran Discoveries, in E. D. Herbert and E. Tov, eds., The Bible as Book. The Hebrew Bible and the Judaean Desert Discoveries (London, et al: The British Library & Oak Knoll Press, 2002), (11 pp.) B. K. Waltke, How We Got the Hebrew Bible: The Text and Canon of the Old Testament, in Flint, Bible at Qumran, (24 pp.) 62 pages SUMMARY of OT Text and Canon; Paper Ideas Eugene Ulrich, Multiple Literary Editions: Reflections Toward a Theory of the History of the Biblical Text, in

8 8 Eugene Ulrich, The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Origins of the Bible (Grand Rapids/ Cambridge/ et al.: Eerdmans/Brill, 1999), S21 NT Canon Contemporary Views Robert Funk, The Once and Future NT, in McDonald and Sanders, Canon Debate, (27 pp.) Everett Ferguson, Factors Leading to the Selection and Closure of the NT Canon: A Survey of Some Recent Studies, in McDonald and Sanders, Canon Debate, (26 pp.) Kruger, Canon Revisited, (108 pp.) 161 total pages Harry Gamble, The NT Canon: Recent Research and the Status Quaestionis, in McDonald and Sanders, Canon Debate, (28 pp.) Lee McDonald, Identifying Church and Canon The Criteria Question, in McDonald and Sanders, Canon Debate, (24 pp.) François Bovon, Beyond the Canonical and the Apocryphal Books, the Presence of a Third Category: The Books Useful for the Soul, HTR 105 (2012), (13 pp.) 5 S 29 NT Canon Foundations and Primary Sources Hill, God s Speech in These Last Days: The New Testament Canon as an Eschatological Phenomenon, (52 pp.) David Brakke, A New Fragment of Athanasius s Thirty-Ninth Festal Letter: Heresy, Apocrypha, and the Canon, HTR 103 (2010), (22 pp.) Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiastica 2.15; 3.1-4; ; 3.39 The Muratorian Fragment Irenaeus, AH 3.praef. through 3.4.3; ; Canon Debate Appendix D (for reference)

9 9 Didache; 1 Clement; Polycarp, To the Philippians; Ps. Barnabas; Epistle to Diognetus; Shepherd of Hermas; Epistula Apostolorum, 6 O 5 NT Canon Gospels Hill, Who Chose the Gospels? IN CLASS: Discussion of Readings, Hill, or Student 7 O 12 NT Canon Dealing with Primary Sources Fragments of Papias Ignatius Letters (skim) Read at least a smattering of pages from: Gospel of Thomas; Gospel of Peter; Gospel of Judas. All can be found online. Choose either: Hill, Ignatius and the Apostolate, Stud. Patr. 36, and Hill, Ignatius, the Gospel, and the Gospels, Trajectories, Or Hill, What Papias Said about John (and Luke). A New Papian Fragment. JTS NS 49 (1998), Oskar Skarsaune, Justin and His Bible, in Sara Parvis and Paul Foster (eds.), Justin Martyr and His Worlds (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2007), O 19 READING WEEK 8 O 26 NT Canon Final Overview Kruger, Canon Revisited, : Hill, Deconstructio ad Absurdum? JETS 52 (2009), Herman Ridderbos, Redemptive History and the New Testament Scriptures, tr. H. De Jongste, revised by R. B. Gaffin, Jr. (Phillipsburg; P&R, 1988)

10 10 Possibly, Hill, The Truth above all Demonstration or Hill, Irenaeus, the Scribes, and the Scriptures 9 N 2 NT Text Introduction/Overview Review the basics in Aland and Aland from Greek Exegesis! Hill, RTS Introduction on Text Criticism Hill-Kruger, Introduction: In Search of the Early Text of the New Testament 1-18 (18 pp.) Köstenberger and Kruger, Heresy of Orthodoxy Chs. 7-8, pp [53] Daniel Wallace, Challenges in New Testament Textual Criticism for the Twenty-First Century, JETS 52 (2009), [21] 92 total pages B. Ehrman, Misquoting Jesus; Robert B. Stewart, ed., The Reliability of the New Testament. Bart Ehrman and Daniel Wallace in Dialogue H. Koester, The Text of the Synoptic Gospels in the Second Century, in Gospel Traditions in the Second Century. Origins, Recensions, Text, and Transmission, ed. W.L. Petersen (Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1989), Top Ten Essential Works in New Testament Textual Criticism Tommy Wasserman Codex Sinaiticus; INTF website 10 N 9 NT Text Methods Eldon Jay Epp, Traditional Canons of New Testament Textual Criticism: Their Value, Validity, and Viability or Lack Thereof in Klaus Wachtel and Michael W. Holmes, eds., The Textual History of the Greek New Testament: Changing Views in Contemporary Research (Society of Biblical Literature, 2011), (39 pp.) Gerd Mink, The Coherence-Based Genealogical Method What is it about? and download and view the presentation by Mink at

11 11 D. C. Parker, New Introduction, various parts: (theological changes); (what is a text-type?); (exegesis, theology); (corrections in P66, with photos) [19]; (Rev., Paul) [56]; 11 N 16 Paper Writing (Professor gone) N 23 Thanksgiving 12 N 30 NT Text Manuscripts Hurtado, Artifacts, Chs. 1-3 ( [120]), 5 ( [35]) 155 total pages 13 D 7 Student Papers Hurtado, Artifacts, rest of book Parker, New Introduction, various portions, Lecture: Hill, A Four Gospel Canon in the Second Century? Artifact and Arti-fiction??