NT 615 EXEGESIS OF LUKE Aída Besançon Spencer Office: Goddard Library -- #110 An exegetical study of the Greek text, with attention to the unique theological themes, structure and historical context of Luke. Class sessions will be divided between lectures and translation discussions in order to create an environment which allows Luke s text to speak with its original force. GENERAL GOALS 1. The primary goal for the lectures and assignments is to create opportunities for Luke s text to speak to us. What is Luke s perspective(s)? Who is the Jesus he tells us about? What is he like? What does the Gospel of Luke signify and how may we apply it to contemporary situations? In the process, at the affective level we will simultaneously aim to further an enjoyment and awe of God and of the New Testament. 2. As important as it is to learn data about the Gospel of Luke, it is also important to become equipped in the skills with which people can exegetically interpret the text. This course addresses the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Mission statement by: a) Encouraging students to become more knowledgeable of the structure and theology of the Gospel of Luke in its historical milieu and more competent in using language, interpretative, and application skills learned in NT502 and Greek 1 & 2 (mission goal 1). Students will be encouraged to become creative, original, careful scholars who employ primary source materials, and who allow their conclusions to flow from a careful and accurate reading of the text ; b) Introducing students to the Christian scholarship issues in Luke (mission goal 2); c) Helping students mature in their character, outlook, conduct, relationships, and involvement in society by the teacher s model, class dialogue, mentoring opportunities, and prayer (mission goal 4); d) Providing resources and strategies that will lead to effective local and global ministry, missions, evangelism, and discipleship as evident in Luke (mission goals 3, 5, 6). ASSIGNMENTS 1. Read Luke-Acts and other readings. 2. Complete a historical context study (3-5 pp.) of Luke by week 2 (Feb. 3, grace Feb. 5) (10%). Hand in an outline (1-2 pp.) and a character /thematic study (1 p.) of the Gospel of Luke by week 3 (Feb. 10, grace Feb 12) (20%). See How to Write a N.T. Exegesis Paper for sale and on reserve. These papers may be rewritten up to week 7 (March 10). Hand in both drafts + original cover sheet. 3. Choice of 1 final paper (55%) (double-spaced) due week 8 (March 17, grace March 19). Optional redone final papers due week 11 (April 7).
2 a. 8-12 pp. (double spaced) exegesis paper with interpretation and a brief (1-2 page) application (sermon or lesson outline), an appendix (sentence flow, etc.) and a bibliography of books used. The interpretation should include your own translation and lexical, grammatical, and literary studies and at least one study of a textual variant. When the chapter is covered in class, the findings will be briefly presented to the class. M.Div. candidates are required to do at least two exegesis papers at the 600-level. Th.M. candidates will write 13-17 pp. OR b. 8-12 topical paper. Take one topic (example in class is Reign of God), research from at least two gospels, and then show if Luke adds any particular dimensions or emphases. Consult professor for approval of topics. An application is also needed. 4. The completion of the required translation (8%), journal (1%), and reading (1%), is 10% of the final grade. Grammar quizzes (5%) will be given weeks 2 and 12. The higher grade will be recorded. If at least a passing grade is not received on the second quiz, the grade will be lowered one grade. Keep a journal with Greek words which were not recognized, notes of insights, and questions encountered in reading Luke. Present one or two insights at every translation session. After up to 4 hours of continued translation on a one-week assignment, full credit may be received. Competence in Greek is necessary for a passing grade for the course. 5. For extra credit. a. Read all of Luke in Greek (30% - replacing grades of assignment #2 or to help in between grades). Due final class day April 14 (grace April 16). Interlinear may not be used. Use a Word List. Keep a list of all Greek words and parsing not recognized, which will be handed in. IF: chapters 1 through 5 read = D chapters 1 through 11 read = D+ - C chapters 1 through 19 read = C+ - B chapters 1 through 24 read = B+ - A b. Read one of the Books of Selected Topics to help in-between grades. The books under Luke as Historian are recommended. In addition, the student is very much encouraged to read from the bibliography or on any topics which give light to the Gospel of Luke or to the topic of exegesis. For grading purposes, border factors are attendance, completion of required reading, extra reading, and effort. Th.M. candidates are required to do one book review from the bibliography. Book must be at least 200 pp
3 WEEKLY SESSIONS WEEK 1 A. Goals and questions. Introduction to course, procedures, requirements. (Jan. 27) B. Explain character study, outline, historical context. How to write an exegesis paper. Assignments for next class session: Complete historical context study of Luke by week 2. Translate Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-5. Be ready for a quiz. Bring at least two insights from Greek text. Skim read Lucian, How to Write History, before week 3. Read Luke-Acts; choose passage for exegetical study by week 3. WEEK 2 A. Who wrote Gospel? (Feb. 3) B. What can we learn about the author? I Luke s Quiz. Translate Luke 1:1-4 [Acts 1:1-5]. Preface Assignment: Complete character and outline study of Luke by next week. Finish Lucian. Complete Constant Witnesses in Luke sheet. WEEK 3 A. Questions raised by 1:1-4. Historicity and Reliability (Feb. 10) B. Purpose Discussion character study (1 hour) To whom written? From where and when written? (available in written form) Assignment: Translate Luke 1:5-25. Optional: In order to read all of Luke in Greek, you must begin assignment before Week 5. Begin final paper. WEEK 4 (Feb. 16-20) Reading Week, no class sessions WEEK 5 A. Translate 1:5-25. Discuss (Feb. 24) B. Genesis Project (and American Bible Society) films on Luke (4 short films) II Attestation to Jesus before he begins His ministry (1:5-4:13) Assignment: Translate 7:36-50 for next class. Bring synoptic parallels to class. WEEK 6 A. Translate 7:36-50 (March 3) Problems with form criticism sinful woman. III Jesus B. Overview of Jesus Life Ministry Reign of God What is it and why so important (1 hour) centers Assignment: Translate 8:1-15. Do a sentence flow of 8:5-8 for class. Prepare 8:3 text evidence auvtoi/j vs auvtw /. around Galilee Optional: rewriting of short papers due next week. (4:14-9:50)
4 WEEK 7 A. Translate 8:1-15 Go over sentence flow. (March 10) B. Parables what they are and how to interpret Assignment: Write full draft of final paper by next week. Translate 10:1-12, 25-37. Optional read 10:38-42. Read Global God, ch. 4. WEEK 8 A. Translate 10:1-12, 25-37 (March 17) B. Laborer deserves wages Stewardship IV Jesus Ministry after he Assignment: Read chapters 1-2 on Lord s prayer in The Prayer Life of Jesus and determines Benedictions (Berakoth) in the Mishnah (trans. Herbert Danby or J. Neusner) and to go to I.7 in Eusebius Church History. Translate 11:1-23. Jerusalem (9:51-19:44) WEEK 9 Reading Week, no class session (March 23-27) WEEK 10 A. Translate 11:1-23 (March 31) Mary and Martha B. The Greek Words for Prayer (2 classes) Assignment: Translate 18:1-14. Read Beyond the Curse ch. 2. All redone final papers due next week. WEEK 11 A. Greek Words for Prayer, continued. (April 7) B. Translate 18:1-14. The Parables on Prayer Assignment: Complete all reading assignments. Read chs. 3, 5 in The Prayer Life of Jesus. Read article on Fear Bulletin for Biblical Research 2 (1992), 59-73. Translate 23:26-49. Prepare for quiz. Bring self-evaluation to last class. WEEK 12 A. Quiz on Luke 23:26-49. (April 14) Translate 23:26-49. V. Jesus Theology versus History the Darkness teaches Daily in the B. Words of Astonishment in Luke. Temple at Complete self and class evaluation Jerusalem Summary of what was learned in Luke (19:45-22:53) VI. Jesus is Arrested, Crucified & Raised (22:54-24:53) WEEK 13 Back-up snow day (April 21)
5 BIBLIOGRAPHY **Required Textbooks *Books for sale in Book Centre and necessary for class us e ** textbooks (all will be read) Sakae Kubo. A READER S GREEK-ENGLISH LEXICON OF THE N.T. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1975. PA 881.K8 1971will be used regularly Lucian. HOW TO WRITE HISTORY, trans., K. Keburn, The Loeb Classical Library, V1. Cambridge: Harvard University, 1959. PA 3612.L963 1953 v.6 read whole book Aida Besançon Spencer and William David Spencer. THE PRAYER LIFE OF JESUS: SHOUT OF AGONY, REVELATION OF LOVE: Lanham: University Press of America, 1990. BV229.S646 Will be read (Study Guide optional available for church use) *textbooks (part will be read) Herbert Danby, trans. THE MISHNAH. Oxford: University, 1933 or Jacob Neusner, trans. One chapter will be read. Aida Besancon Spencer. BEYOND THE CURSE: WOMEN CALLED TO MINISTRY. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1985. BS 680.W7564 one chapter will be read THE GLOBAL GOD, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998. BT102.G574one chapter will be read EUSEBIUS: THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH FROM CHRIST TO CONSTANTINE, trans., G.A. Williamson. New York: Penguin, 1989 or trans., Paul L. Maier. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1999. one section will be read *References needed to complete assignments K. Aland, ed., et al. THE NEW TESTAMENT IN GREEK, bound with GREEK-ENGLISH DICTIONARY. 3 rd or 4 th ed. N.Y.: American Bible Society, 1975. Good for translation. Ref. BS 1965 1983, SYNOPSIS OF THE FOUR GOSPELS. American Bible Society (Greek-English edition) BS2560.A2 A35 1972will be consulted in class (also in Bible Works) John Kohlenberger, E. Goodrick, J. Swanson. THE EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE TO THE GREEK N.T. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995. or another concordance A Schmoller. HANDKONKORDANZ ZUM GRIECHISCHEN NEUEN TESTAMENT. 14 th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1968. or another concordance Bruce M. Metzger & Bart Ehrman. THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT: ITS TRANSMISSION, CORRUPTION AND RESTORATION.4 th ed. New York: Oxford University, 2005. BS2325.M568for reference *Most Helpful Commentaries Alfred Plummer. A CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO S. LUKE. The International Critical Commentary. 5 th ed. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1922. Ref BS2595.P73 free pdf on line: www.archive.org/details/criticalexegetic28plumuoft A.T. Robertson. WORD PICTURES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. II. Rev. Wesley J. Perschbacher. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2005. BS2341.R6 I. Howard Marshall. THE GOSPEL OF LUKE: A COMMENTARY ON THE GREEK TEXT. The New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1978. priority of Mark, 2 sources A.D. 70 *References not required, but helpful
6 Donald Guthrie. NEW TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION. 3 rd ed. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1970. BS 2330.2.G85 good as a reference Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry. A HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS. Chicago: Moody, 1978. (Harper) an evangelical complement Other References K. Aland, ed., et al. NOVUM TESTAMENTUM GRAECE. 27 th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 2001. Good for study of variant readings. Ref. BS 1965 1979. Richard A. Lanham. A HANDLIST OF RHETORICAL TERMS: A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH LITERATURE. 2d ed. Berkeley: University of California, 1968. Other Good Commentaries Darrell L. Bock. LUKE. IVP N.T. Commentary Series. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1994. BS2595.3.B57. E. Earle Ellis. THE GOSPEL OF LUKE. The Century Bible, New Edition. Camden: Thomas, 1966. [Wipf & Stock] BS2595.3.E4 thorough listing of historical refs., A.D. 70 Craig A. Evans. LUKE. New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1990. J. Alexander Findlay. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE: A COMMENTARY. London: Student Christian Movement, 1937. BS2595.F49 OP Norval Geldenhuys. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF LUKE. The International Commentary on the N. T. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1951. Good introduction. OP F. Godet. A COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF ST. LUKE. Trans. E.W. Shalders and M.D. Cusin. 3 rd ed. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1890. BS2595.GS 1890 OP David Gooding. ACCORDING TO LUKE: A NEW EXPOSITION OF THE THIRD GOSPEL. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987. An excellent study of literary themes in the Gospel (point and purpose of each section) presented in a non-technical manner. OP Joel B. Green. THE GOSPEL OF LUKE. The New International Commentary on the N.T. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997. Ref.BS2595.3.G74 literary approach, authorship not important William Manson. THE GOSPEL OF LUKE. The Moffatt New Testament Commentary. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1930. BS 2595.3.M36 OP I. Howard Marshall. THE GOSPEL OF LUKE: A COMMENTARY ON THE GREEK TEXT. The New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1978 Ref. BS2595.3.M37 Leon Morris. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE. The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1974 BS2595.3.M67 early 60s John Navone, S.J. THEMES OF ST. LUKE. Rome: Gregorian University, 1970. BS 2595.3.N38 Alvin Padilla. LUCAS. Conozca su Biblia. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2005. Robert H. Stein. THE NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY (24): LUKE. Nashville: Broadman, 1992. priority of Mark, 4 sources, Luke is author Charles H. Talbert. READING LUKE: A LITERARY AND THEOLOGICAL COMMENTARY ON THE THIRD GOSPEL. New York: Crossroad, 1982. Ref. BS 2595.3.T34 OP Books on Selected Topics Purpose Henry J. Cadbury. THE MAKING OF LUKE-ACTS. New York: Macmillan, 1927. BS2595.C11
7 Robert Maddox. THE STYLE AND LITERARY METHOD OF LUKE. Harvard Theological Studies VI. 2 vols. Cambridge: Harvard, 1920. BS 2595.C11S. THE PURPOSE OF LUKE-ACTS. Studies of the New Testament and its World. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1982. BS 2589.Z72 M32 Helmut Egelkraut. JESUS MISSION TO JERUSALEM: A REDACTION CRITICAL STUDY OF THE TRAVEL NARRATIVE IN THE GOSPEL OF LUKE, LK 9:51 19:48. 1976. Robert B. Sloan, Jr. THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD: A STUDY OF JUBILARY THEOLOGY IN THE GOSPEL OF LUKE. Austin: Schola, 1977. Luke as Historian C.K. Barrett. LUKE THE HISTORIAN IN RECENT STUDY. A.S. Peake Memorial Lecture No. 6. London: Epworth, 1961. BS 2595.B275. John Drury. TRADITION AND DESIGN IN LUKE S GOSPEL. A STUDY IN EARLY CHRISTIAN HISTORIOGRAPHY. London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 1976. BS2595.2.D78 Adolf Harnack. LUKE THE PHYSICIAN. Trans. J.R. Wilkinson. Crown Theological Library. New York: G.P. Putnam s Sons, 1911. BS 2290.H22 v.1 I. Howard Marshall. LUKE: HISTORIAN AND THEOLOGIAN. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1970. BS 2589.M37 W.M. Ramsay. LUKE THE PHYSICIAN AND OTHER STUDIES IN THE HISTORY OF RELIGION. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1908. BR 142 R14 A.T. Robertson. LUKE THE HISTORIAN IN THE LIGHT OF RESEARCH. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1920. BS 2589.R6 Other Topics Craig G. Bartholomew, Joel B. Green, and Anthony C. Thiselton, eds. READING LUKE: INTERPRETATION, REFLECTION, FORMATION. Scripture and Hermeneutics Series. Vol. 6. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005. BS 2595.52.R43 William Barclay. THE FIRST THREE GOSPELS. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1966. Kenneth E. Bailey. THE CROSS AND THE PRODIGAL. THE 15TH CHAPTER OF LUKE, SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF MIDDLE EASTERN PEASANTS. St. Louis: Concordia, 1973 BS 2595.3.B27 MaryAnn Beavis. Ancient Slavery as an Interpretive Context for the New Testament Parables with Special Reference to the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-8). JBL, 111 (Spring, 1992), 37-54. Craig L. Blomberg. INTERPRETING THE PARABLES. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1990. Wayne Brindle. The Census and Quirinius: Luke 2:2. JETS, 27 (March, 1984), 43-52. François Bovon. LUKE THE THEOLOGIAN: THIRTY-THREE YEARS OF RESEARCH (1950-1983), trans. Ken McKinney. Princeton Theological Monograph Series 12. Allison Park, PA: Pickwick, 1987. Bibliography and summary of issues. Hans Conzelmann. THE THEOLOGY OF ST. LUKE. Trans. Geoffrey Buswell. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1960. Well-known work. Royce G. Gruenler. NEW APPROACHES TO JESUS AND THE GOSPELS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL AND EXEGETICAL STUDY OF SYNOPTIC CHRISTOLOGY. Grand Rapids: Baker 1982. BT 202.G79**
Colin J. Humphreys. The Star of Bethlehem, A Comet in 5 B.C. and the Date of Christ s Birth, TYNDALE BULLETIN 43 (1, 1992), 31-56. Eta Linnemann. IS THERE A SYNOPTIC PROBLEM? RETHINKING THE LITERARY DEPENDENCE OF THE FIRST THREE GOSPELS. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992. J. Gresham Machen. The Integrity of the Lucan Narrative of the Annunciation. PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL REVIEW XXV, Oct., 1927. Defense of historicity of virgin birth. BS2595.M18 Allan J. McNicol, ed. BEYOND THE Q IMPASSE LUKE S USE OF MATTHEW. Valley Forge: Trinity Press Int., 1996. BS 2555.2.B488 David P. Seccombe. POSSESSIONS AND THE POOR IN LUKE-ACTS. Linz: Studien zum Neuen Testament und seiner Umvelt, 1982. Turid Karlsen Seim. THE DOUBLE MESSAGE: PATTERNS OF GENDER IN LUKE-ACTS. Nashville: Abingdon, 1994. Jeffrey S. Siker. First to the Gentiles: A Literary Analysis of Luke 4:16-30. JBL 111 (Spring, 1992), 73-90. Aida Besançon Spencer. Mary s Influence on Jesus Message. DAUGHTERS OF SARAH, 14 (Nov./Dec. 1988), 28-29. *. Fear as a Witness to Jesus in Luke s Gospel. BULLETIN FOR BIBLICAL RESEARCH 2 (1992), 59-73.. PAUL S LITERARY STYLE: A STYLISTIC AND HISTORICAL COMPARISON OF II CORINTHIANS 11:16 12:13, ROMANS 8:9-39, AND PHILIPPIANS 3:2 4:13 Lanham: University Press of America, [1984] 1998.. What Does the Bible Say About Elizabeth An Upright Woman and the Mother of Christ s Forerunner. DECISION, 29 (June, 1988), 31-33. Reprinted in SHAPED BY GOD. Minneapolis: World Wide, 1990.. Virgin Birth. HOLMAN BIBLE HANDBOOK, 1992.. Literary Criticism. THE NEW TESTAMENT CRITICISM AND INTERPRETATION. eds. David Alan Black and David Dockery. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991. Robert H. Stein. Luke 1:1-4 and Traditionsgeschichte. JETS, 26 (December, 1983), 421-430. Reuben Swanson, ed. NEW TESTAMENT GREEK MANUSCRIPTS: LUKE. Sheffield: Sheffield, 1995. Ref. BS 1965 Charles H. Talbert, ed. PERSPECTIVES ON LUKE-ACTS. Special Studies Series. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1978. BS 2589.Z72.P47 Paul W. Walaskay. AND SO WE CAME TO ROME : THE POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE OF ST. LUKE. Society for New Testament Studies. Cambridge: University, 1983. BS2589.W34 John Wenham. REDATING MATTHEW, MARK AND LUKE: A FRESH ASSAULT ON THE SYNOPTIC PROBLEM. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1992. BS 2555.2.R35 American and British Committees of the International Greek NT Project, eds. THE NEW TESTAMENT IN GREEK: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE. 2 Vols. Oxford: Clarendon, 1984. Ref. BS 1965 1983b, exhaustive listing of textual evidence. 8