Page 1 COURSE DESCRIPTION: Birmingham Theological Seminary Birmingham Alabama NT2022: New Testament I Sep 10 Dec 14; 5:30-7:30 PM Dr. Morris Johnson Fall 2012 Cell: 205-587-7584 Fax: 205-841-0814 mjohnson0415@bellsouth.net An introduction: to the background, content, and criticism of the Gospels and of Acts, including an introduction to biblical hermeneutics. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1. The student is thoroughly familiar with the content of the four Gospels and Acts. 2. The student understands the background, history, literature, and other introductory aspects of the New Testament era. 3. The student has an introductory knowledge of the different critical approaches toward the New Testament materials. 4. The student has an introductory knowledge of the basic genres of the New Testament. 5. The student is able to interpret and apply the Gospels and Acts into a modern context. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Knowledge: 1. Be familiar with the historical, religious and cultural setting in which early Christianity was formed. 2. Know the major arguments for the traditional authorship and dating of the Gospels as well as alternative proposals. 3. Know the central themes and structure of each Gospel. 4. See the unity of the major themes of the Gospels and the distinctive theological contributions and perspectives of each author. 5. Learn good research methods for developing biblical theology. 6. Know the basic procedures used in critical methods of Gospel study and the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. 7. Understand the relationship between exegesis, biblical theology and systematic theology.
Page 2 Feelings/Attitude: 1. Convinced of the importance of a sound understanding of the theology of the Bible for the future of the Church. 1. Develop a greater love for Scripture. 2. Begin reshaping your thinking to conform more closely to the biblical world view. 3. Motivated to continue a lifetime of studying the New Testament. Action: 1. Able to study a Bible book to find its theology and themes, without reading other parts of the Bible into it. 2. Able to communicate clearly the central teachings of the Gospels and the distinctive contributions of each book. REQUIRED READING: Textbooks: Carson, D. A. and Douglas J. Moo.An Introduction to the New Testament.2 nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005. ISBN 978-0310238591. (pp. 77-284, 726-743) Wenham, David and Steve Walton. Exploring the New Testament. Vol. 1.A Guide to the Gospels and Acts.2 nd ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2005. ISBN 978-0830825578. (pp. 3-264, 301-302) Read the Gospels in two of the following modern translations: NASB, ESV, NIV, TNIV, HCSB, RSV. RECOMMENDED READING Bible Software: Logos Bible Software. Platinum [Windows or Macintosh computer software]. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, 2009. Platinum is the best value Logos collection. It includes several good commentary sets and other reference books that will help you greatly in your research paper and future Bible study. If you cannot afford Platinum, buy at least the Silver edition, which includes a basic set of English Bible commentaries. You can purchase Logos collections for a discount through BTS.
Page 3 Using Bible Software A training guide with step by step instructions for doing common Bible study tasks with Logos Bible software. Logos Bible Software training videos, http://www.logos.com/videos. Training videos on various aspects of using Logos Bible Software.Researching and Writing a Term Paper: Badke, William B. Research Strategies. Finding Your Way Through the Information Fog. Third edition. San Jose: iuniverse, 2008. ISBN 9780595477470.Excellent suggestions on doing research and writing a research paper. The electronic edition [http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/bookdetail.aspx?bookid=sku-000063582] costs only $6.00. A free abridged version [http://www.acts.twu.ca/lbr/preface.htm] is also very good. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: 1. Reading a. Textbooks and Other Required Readings The required readings are listed in the class schedule. Readings should be completed in preparation for each class, so you will get the most out of lectures and be able to participate fully in the discussions. b. New Testament Read all 4 Gospels in two different modern Bible translations from the following list: NASB, ESV, NIV, TNIV, HCSB, RSV, NRSV. Paraphrases (e.g. Living Bible, The Message) are not acceptable. c. Reading Log Keep a reading log listing the date on which you completed each reading assignment. Turn in this reading log on the last day of class. To receive full credit, each section must be read by the date specified in the class schedule. Late reading logs will lose 50% credit. Logs will not be accepted more than one week late.
Page 4 2. Class Participation All students are expected to make meaningful contributions to class discussions. During part of many classes, there will be discussions in small groups or the whole class about topics raised by the reading and the lectures. You should complete the reading assignments on time so you are prepared to participate in the discussions. Special arrangements for make up work will only be considered for extraordinary medical circumstances. 3. Reflection Questions The reflection questions are designed to deepen your understanding of the reading, to help you prepare for class discussion, and to show the professor how you are processing the reading. Write a 2 page answer to each reflection question. Your response does not need to include footnotes. 1. Read the Second Temple Jewish messianic texts quoted on p. 38 of Wenham and Walton (also at https://www.logos.com/products/prepub/edit/359413). What were the Jews expecting about the Messiah? What are the various types of Jewish messianic expectations represented here? How do you think each group would have responded to Jesus' claims? 2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of redaction criticism for studying the Synoptic Gospels? Do you think an evangelical can practice redaction criticism and hold to the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture? 3. Wilhelm Wrede said that Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah. Mark invented the idea that Jesus was Messiah and God. According to the Synoptic Gospels, does Jesus claim to be the Messiah? You may focus on Mark or use material from all Synoptic Gospels. 4. Read the Olivett Discourse in Mark 13, Matt 24 and Luke 21. According to N. T. Wright, this passage refers entirely to the destruction of Jerusalem. Jesus expected his vindication to be seen entirely in the fall of Jerusalem rather than in a future "second coming." Does this passage refer to a future coming of Christ or does it refer to the fall of Jerusalem or both? Give evidence for your view from the passage. 5. How does the Gospel of John show that Jesus is God? Discuss the author's literary techniques and theological themes that point to the deity of Jesus. Due dates are listed on the schedule. Since reflection questions are part of your class participation grade, they must be turned in at the beginning of class. They will not be accepted by email, unless you have a pre-approved reason for absence from class. In this case, they must be sent to the professor no later than the start of class. Late responses to reflection questions will not be accepted. 5. Comparative Biblical Theology Paper Write a research paper comparing and contrasting the biblical theology of the Gospel of John and one Synoptic Gospel on one of these themes:
Page 5 - The Holy Spirit (Luke is recommended) - The identity of Jesus - Salvation You may narrow your focus if you wish (e.g. narrow the identity of Jesus to the meaning of Jesus as Son of Man). The title of your paper should reflect your narrowed focus. Show both the unity and the diversity of the treatment of the theme in these two books. Your paper should stress the results of your personal inductive study of the text of the Bible. In addition you should interact critically with the major works of New Testament theology, major exegetical commentaries and journal articles. You should use at least 3 modern exegetical commentaries from the recommended list for each book of the Bible that you discuss, plus other standard Bible study reference books, such as Bible dictionaries/encyclopedias and Greek lexicons/word study books. Do not simply repeat the opinions of commentaries, class notes and New Testament theology books. The paper should be 8-10 pages, typed in 12 point type, double spaced, with footnotes and bibliography in Turabian style. Excessively long papers will be returned ungraded. 6. Final examination The final examination will be a take home exam, that will be handed out on the last day of class. It will be comprehensive and will consist of essay questions based on the lectures, class discussions and reading assignments from Acts. GRADING: Reading, listening to recorded lectures 10% Reflection questions, participation 25% Biblical Theology Paper 30% Final examination 35% GRADING SCALE: A Outstanding B Good C Needs improvement D Below Expectations F Failing work EXPECTATIONS FOR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS 1. Style Written work should follow the style described in Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations. Your writing must be free of spelling and punctuation errors and adhere to the basic rules of English grammar. Write in a clear, straight-forward style appropriate to academic prose (cf. Shrunk and White, Elements of Style). Writing should be well organized and present a clear and coherent argument. Written assignments with significant deficiencies in style will receive a lower grade.
Page 6 2. Physical Format The title page should include the title of the paper, the name of the course, the name of the professor, the date of submission, your name and your campus mailbox number. Papers must be typed in 12 point Times Roman typeface, double spaced, with 1 inch margins. All pages must be stapled together. Do not use paper clips, a binder or a cover. Students must retain a copy of all assignments (photocopy or computer file). 3. Documentation of Sources In research papers, all sources must be cited in bibliographic footnotes in Turabian style. Reflection papers do not require formal citations, but may use in-text citations if you wish (Smith, 1990, p. 10). You can use computer software, such as Library Master to automatically format the citations. Any sentences or phrases taken from any source must be placed in quotation marks and the source must be cited. The source of any ideas that are not your own must also be cited in a footnote, even if you rephrase the concept in your own words. Include a bibliography in Turabian style listing all sources cited. In all work, you are expected to respect intellectual property, and behave with utmost honesty and integrity. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in any form and will result in a failing grade on the assignment. 4. Late Assignments All written assignments are due at the beginning of class on the specified due date. The grade for late assignments will be reduced 1 grade point per week late (e.g. A will be reduced to B). Reading log credit will be reduced 50% if late and will not be accepted more than one week late. Answers to reflection questions will not be accepted late. Extensions will be considered only in extreme cases such as a death in the family, the hospitalization of yourself or a member of your immediate family, or a prolonged illness for which you require treatment by a physician. Extensions will not be granted due to the demands of ministry, work or other courses. If you feel you have a legitimate reason for a late paper, attach an explanation in writing to the paper. Do not explain your reasons at the beginning of class, by phone or by voice mail.
Page 7 CLASS SCHEDULE: Date: Passage/Topic: Reading Due: Lecture Due: Assignment Due: Sept -The nature of the 13 New Testament (NT) -Formation of the NT canon - Historical background to the NT Date: Passage/Topic: Reading Due: Lecture Due: Assignment Due: Sept 13 -Hermeneutics -Basics of biblical hermeneutics - Culture and religions of the NT world - What is a Gospel? - Criticism of the Gospels -Wenham-Walton, 3-44 - Wenham-Walton, 301-302 - Wegner, 131-151 -Carson- Moo, 726-743 -Klein, 213-271 -Wenham-Walton, 47-80 -Gospel of Mark (first Bible version) Sept 20 -Criticism of the Gospels (continued) - The Quest of the Historical Jesus -The life of Jesus - Researching New Testament theology -Carson-Moo, 77-133 - "Historical Jesus" - Wenham-Walton, 81-141 - Wenham-Walton, 143-187 - Gospel of Matthew (first Bible version) -Form Criticism - New Testament Theology -Reflection 1 Sept 27 -Synoptic Gospels -Wenham-Walton, 191-241 -Gospel of Luke (first Bible version) -Gospel of Mark (second Bible version) -Bible study with Logos Bible Software -Turabian formatting with Library- Master -Reflection 2 Oct. 4 -Synoptic Gospels -Carson-Moo, 169-197 - Brown, 126-149 - Carson-Moo, 134-168 - Brown, 171-203 -Gospel of Matthew (second Bible version) -Reflection 3
Page 8 Oct 11 -Synoptic Gospels -Carson-Moo, 198-224 - Brown, 225-262 -Gospel of Luke (second Bible version) -Wenham-Walton, 243-264 - Carson-Moo, 225-284 - Brown, 333-361 -Gospel of John (first Bible version) -Reflection 4 Date: Passage/Topic: Reading Due: Recorded Lecture Due: Oct. 25 -Gospel of John -Gospel of John (second Bible version) Assignment Due: -Reflection 5 Nov 1 -Gospel of John -research paper topic [discuss] Nov 08- Acts Both Bible versions Exploring 1:267-300 Introduction, 285-325, 354-385 Nov 15 Acts The Life of Paul Exploring 2:3-20, 23-29, 31-45, 47-60 Introduction, 331-350, 456-475 -Biblical Theology Research Paper Nov 29 The Life of Paul -Reading Log - Dec 06 Dec 13 Review Final Exam f NDBT = New Dictionary of Biblical Theology
Page 9 Fall Break October 15-19 Thanksgiving November 22 New Testament Theology and Introduction: Alexander, Desmond, Brian S. Rosner, D. A. Carson and Graeme, Goldsworthy, eds. New Dictionary of Biblical Theology.Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2000. Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament.New York: Doubleday, 1997. ' Joel B. Green and Scot McKnight, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1992. Ladd, George Eldon. A Theology of the New Testament.Revised edition. Grand Rapids, MI: 1993. Metzger, Bruce Manning. The New Testament: Its Background, Growth, and Content. 2nd edition. Nashville: Abingdon, 1983. Morris, Leon. New Testament Theology.Grand Rapids, Mi.: Zondervan, 1986. Witherington, Ben, III. The Jesus Quest.The Third Search for the Jew of Nazareth.Second ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1997. Wegner, Paul D. The Journey From Texts to Translations. The Origin and Development of the Bible.Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2000, pp. 131-151. Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation: Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart.How to Read the Bible for all its Worth. Third edition. Grand Rapids, ML: Zondervan, 2003. Fee, Gordon.New Testament Exegesis.Revised Edition. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox, 1993. Klein, William W., Craig L. Blomberg and Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Revised ed. Dallas: Nelson, 2004. Osborne, Grant R. The Hermeneutical Spiral.A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation.Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1991. Gospel Interpretation: Aland, Kurt, ed. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. Stuttgart: United Bible Society, 1979. Blomberg, Craig L. Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey. Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 1997. Burge, Gary M. Interpreting the Gospel of John. Guides to New Testament Exegesis.Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1992.
McKnight, Scot. Interpreting the Synoptic Gospels.Guides to New Testament Exegesis.Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1988. Guides to Commentaries: Carson, D. A. New Testament Commentary Survey.6 th ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007. Matthew Commentaries: Blomberg, Craig. Matthew. New American Commentary.Nashville; Broadman and Holman, 1992. Carson, D. A. "Matthew." In The Expositors Bible Commentary, vol. 8, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein. Grand Rapids, Mi.: Zondervan, 1984. Also published as a separate 2 volume commentary. France, R. T. Matthew. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids, Mi.: Eerdmans, 1985. Hagner, Donald. Matthew. 2 vols. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Nelson, 1993-1995. Keener, Craig S. A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew.Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1999. Keener, Craig S. Matthew.IVP New Testament Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1997. Page 10 Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to Matthew.Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1992. Mounce, Robert H. Matthew. New International Biblical Commentary.Hendrickson, 1991. Nolland, John. The Gospel of Matthew.New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005. Smith, Robert H. Matthew. Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament.Augsburg Fortress, 1989. Mark Commentaries: Brooks, James A. Mark, New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 1991. Cranfield, C.E.B. The Gospel According to Mark.Cambridge Greek Testament Commentaries.Cambridge University Press, 1959. Evans, Craig. Mark 8:27-16:20. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Nelson, 1995. France, R. T. The Gospel of Mark.New International Greek Testament Commentary.Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002. Geulich, Robert. Mark 1:1-8:26. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Nelson, 1989. Lane, William L. The Gospel of Mark.The New International Commentary on the New Testament.
Page 11 Grand Rapids, Mi.: Eerdmans, 1974. Luke Commentaries: Bock, Darrell L. Luke. 2 vols. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1994. Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke.The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Mi.: Eerdmans, 1997. Leifeld, Walter A. "Luke." In The Expositors Bible Commentary, vol. 8, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein. Grand Rapids, Mi.: Zondervan, 1984. Also published as a separate volume. Marshall, I. Howard.Commentary on Luke.The New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, Mi.: Eerdmans, 1978. Morris, Leon. Luke. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids, Mi.: Eerdmans, 1974. Nolland, John. Luke. 1 vols. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Nelson, 1989-1993. John Commentaries: Barrett, C. K. The Gospel According to St. John. An Introduction Commentary and Notes on the Greek Text. Second ed. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1978. Brown, Raymond E. The Gospel According to John.2 vols. Second ed. The Anchor Bible, no. 29A-B. Garden City, N. Y.: Doubleday, 1984. Bruce, F. F. The Gospel of John.Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1994. Carson, D. A. The Gospel According to John.Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1990. Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of John: A Commentary. 2 vols. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2003. Kostenberger, Andreas J. John. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005. Kruse, Colin G. John. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003. Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to John. The English Text With Introduction, Exposition and Notes. The New International Commentary on the New Testament.Edited by F. F. Bruce. Grand Rapids, Mi.: Eerdmans, 1971. Ridderbos, Herman. The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1997.