BNT 635 Prison Epistles

Cincinnati Bible Seminary—Graduate Division of CCU

Fall 2008 2-2-2 Aug 28-29, Sept 25-26, Oct 30-31

Thursdays: 10-6 Fridays 9-3:30

William R. Baker

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An exegetical study that investigates the historical background and major theological themes of the epistles. Contemporary application will be made.

RATIONALE

Responding to misguided attempts to synthesize the person of Christ with Greek philosophical notions, these critical epistles from Paul express more deeply the full nature of Christ than any others. Careful study of these passages will reap enormous theological benefits. These epistles also place a high standard on personal and relational behavior for those committed to Christ. These standards rightfully remain challenges to contemporary Christians.

OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course the students will:

1) articulate the distinctive contributions of the Prison Epistles to the church and to their own personal spiritual growth.

2) demonstrate understanding of the exegetical difficulties and theological concerns of the Prison Epistles.

3) relate the various viewpoints that are current on major introductory issues regarding the Prison Epistles.

4) demonstrate thorough, interactive reading of commentaries on the Prison Epistles.

5) display competence in understanding the content of the Prison Epistles.

5) display competence in researching one major issue in the Prison Epistles.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Fowl, Stephen. Philippians. Two Horizons New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005.

Witherington III, Ben. The Letters to Philemon, the Colossians, and the Ephesians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Captivity Epistles. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007.

Hoehner, Harold, Comfort, Phil, Davids, Peter. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 &2 Thessalonians, Philemon. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary. Wheaton:IL: Tyndale, 2008.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

Colossians and Philemon

Bruce, F. F. The Epistles to the Colossians to Philemon and to the Ephesians. NICNT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1984.

Dunn, James D. G. The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

Harris, Murray J. Colossians & Phileman. Exegetical Guide. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.

Lightfoot, J. B. Saint Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon. New York: MacMillan, 1879.

Lohse, Eduard. Colossians and Philemon. Hermeneia. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1971.

MacDonald, Margaret. Colossians and Ephesians. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 2000.

Melick, Richard. Philippans, Colossians, Philemon. New American commentary. Nashville: Broadman, 1991

O’Brian, Peter. Colossians, Philemon. Word Biblical Commentary. Waco, TX: Word, 1982.

Wall, Robert. Colossians & Philemon. IVP New Testament Commentary. Downers Grove, IL InterVarsity, 1993.

Wright, N. T. The Epistles of Paul to the Colossians and to Philemon. TNTC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986.

Ephesians

Barth, Marcus. Ephesians. Anchor Bible. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1974.

Best, Ernst. Ephesians. ICC. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1998.

Hoehner, Harold. Ephesians. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003.

Liefeld, Walter. Ephesians. IVP New Testament Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1997.

Lincoln, Andrew. Ephesians. Word Biblical Commentary. Waco, TX: Word, 1990.

Martin, Ralph.Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. Interpretation. Louisville: Fortress John Knox, 1992.

Robinson, J. Armitage. St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians. London: James Clark, n.d. (OLD but excellent)

Philippians

Barth, Karl. Epistle to the Philippians. 40th Anniversary Edition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2002.

Beare, F. W. The Epistle to the Philippians. Black’e New Testament Commentaries. London: Adam & Charles Black, 1959.

Bruce, F. F. Philippians. Good News Commentary. San Fransisco: Harper & Row, 1983.

Fee, Gordon. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.

Craddock, Fred. Philippians. Interpretation. Louisville: John Knox, 1985.

Hawthorne, Gerald. Philippians. Word Biblical Commentary. Waco, TX: Word, 1983.

Martin, Ralph. Philippians. New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1976.

Silva, Moises. Philippians. BECNT. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005 (Revised).

Thurston, Bonnie. Philippians and Philemon. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 2003.

MAJOR LEARNING EXPERIENCES AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS

August 28-29

In this first session, our goal will be to cover Colossians and Philemon.

To Prepare: Read the Introductions to Witherington and Hoehner, Comfort, and Davids. Write a one-two page summary of the key introductory issues regarding date based on the two volumes.

To Prepare: Read the comments in the two commentaries. Read the appropriate pages from the commentaries, corresponding to the sections the following sections of Colossians and Philemon:

Colossians 1:1-14; 1:15-23; 1:24-2:5; 2:6-15; 2:16-23; 3:1-11; 3:12-4:1; 4:2-4:18; Philemon

For each section, record: 1) one thing each one says (ideas, opinions, information) which you appreciate and why (include page numbers in the commentaries) ; 2) one question you would want to ask (maybe you disagree or need clarification about something or something spurs wider issues) as if the author was going to be your teacher for this course; 3) an area of disagreement between the commentaries, if there are any.

Please come to class with this prepared. We will use your comments as points of class discussion. It should be handed in when we begin class on Thursday morning.

To Prepare: Consider the term paper topics available. Be prepared to discuss and come to decision by Friday of class.

September 25-26

In this second session, our goal will be to cover Ephesians.

To Prepare: Read the Introductions to Witherington and Hoehner, Comfort, and Davids. Write a one-two page summary of the key introductory issues for Ephesians based on the two volumes.

To Prepare: Read the comments in Witherington, and Hoehner, Comfort, and Davids. Read the appropriate pages from the commentaries, corresponding to the sections the following sections of Ephesians:

Eph 1:1-14; 1:15-23; 2:1-10; 2:11-22; 3:1-13; 3:14-21; 4:1-14; 4:17-23; 5:1-21; 5:22-6:9; 6:10-23;

Please come to class with this prepared. We will use your comments as points of class discussion. It should be handed in when we begin class on Thursday morning.

To Prepare: Thesis progress. Outline and bibliography???

October 30-31

In this third session, our goal will be to cover Philippians and hear oral reports on your term papers.

To Prepare: Read the Introductions to Fowl and Hoehner, Comfort, and Davids. Write a one-two page summary of the key introductory issues for Philippians based on the two volumes. For Fowl’s theological section ??????

To Prepare: Read the comments Fowl and Hoehner, Comfort, and Davids. Read the appropriate pages from the commentaries, corresponding to the sections the following sections of Philippians:

Phil 1:1-11; 1:12-30; 2:1-11; 2:12-18; 2:19-30; 3:1-11; 3:12-4:1; 4:2-23

Please come to class with this prepared. We will use your comments as points of class discussion. It should be handed in when we begin class on Thursday morning.

To Prepare: Thesis first draft due. 5-minute oral presentation of term paper

To Prepare: Final exam. Bring names and contact information for final exam proctor.

Final Exam: Due November 10.

You will be provided the final exam in a sealed envelope on the final day of class. It must be supervised and mailed in by a registered proctor.

Term Paper: Due November 17.

Write a 15-18 -page research paper on a topic of your choice appropriate to the Prison Epistles. Suggestions are below. Term paper choices must be made by August 29. The paper must show use of twelve to fifteen bibliographic entries, including two recent journal articles. Term paper guidelines for this course are attached to the syllabus. Term paper will have staggered due dates: Aug 29 (topic); Sept 25 (bibliography and outline); Oct 30 (First draft); Nov 17 (Final draft). The purpose to give me an opportunity to coach you through this as a learning project. When you turn in your materials on Thursdays, I will have a response for improvement on Fridays before you leave. If you do a good enough job on your first draft, it is possible for your first draft to be acceptable as a final draft. You should make it your best effort. I will edit and give each an opportunity for improvement. The quality of your work at each stage will be part of your final grade.

Introductory Issues

1) The imprisonment of the Prison Epistles

2) The authority of Ephesians (Did Paul write it?)

3) The destination of Ephesians

4) The place of writing and date of Philippians

5) Review and critique of John Knox’s theories about Onesimus and the Philemon letter.

Background

6) Ephesians/Colossian and Gnosticism

7) Col 1:16 Levels of angels and their authority in Jewish Tradition

8) The archaeology of Colossae/Ephesus/Philippi

9) The Origin and significance of households codes in the New Testament (and Ephesians, Colossians)

10) Parenesis and the NT (applied to Prison epistles)

11) The Stoicheia in the ancient world and Prison Epistles

12) The nature and origin of the Colossian heresy

13) The role of Gentiles in Jewish theology (OT, Qumran)

14) “Fullness” in Colossians and Ephesians

Content

15) Imagery in Ephesians

16) Harmonizing Ephesians, Colossians, Romans, 1 Corinthians

17) Hymns and creeds in Ephesians/Colossians/Philippians

18) The Circumcision of Christ

19) Hope in Ephesians and Colossians

20) Peace in Ephesians

21) Exegesis of Col 2:18

22) The use of Ps 68:18 in Eph 4:8

23) The Christ hymn of Philippians

24) The relationship of husband and wife in Ephesians

Theology

25) The NT development of Christ’s pre-existence

26) The theology of the Spirit in Ephesians

27) Christology in Ephesians/Colossians

28) Ecclesiology in Ephesians/Colossians

29) Predestination in Ephesians

30) Satan in Ephesians and in the NT

31) The theology of the Christ-Hymns

GRADING

Reading Notes 30%

Term Paper30%

Final Exam30%

Participation 10%

ODDS AND ENDS

Attendance Policy: No absences are allowed without valid reasons communicated to me before or immediately after the absence. Absences do not change due dates for required work. Extensive absences will result in grade loss or lack of credit for the course. Check handbook.

Late Work Policy: No late work is acceptable. Appropriate grade reductions will be assessed. This includes work due on the first day of class.

Extensions: See the seminary office for an official extension for course work beyond the final due date.

Contact: On Mondays and Tuesdays, sometimes Wednesday I am available in my office (lower level of the grad building) e-mail: ome phone: 513-683-6058 Office phone: 513-244-8688

Social Activity: We will schedule a lunch at LaRosas as a class off campus on the Friday, Oct 31

Extensions: See the seminary office for official extension for course work beyond the final due date.

Cell Phones: TURN THEM OFF. DO NOT RECEIVE OR MAKE CALLS DURING CLASS

GUIDELINES FOR TERM PAPERS

Dr. William R. Baker

Cincinnati Bible Seminary

October 15, 2005

This is not intended to replace all the information graduate students receive in the “Mini-Manual of Form and Style Rules at CBC&S.” It is intended as a supplement to clarify particular concerns that may puzzle students. It only applies to my courses as standards for grading.

The Best Guide for Term Papers in Biblical Studies

The Chicago Manual of Style, which is the official manual for most graduate schools, is not itself readily available. Most schools depend on books that explain this standard, including especially the Manuel of Form and Style by Kate Turabien, which has been edited and revised many times. In biblical studies, however, the most helpful adaptation of Chicago is the SBL Handbook of Style, edited by Patrick Alexander et al. (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1999). This provides how to’s for various footnote/bibliography issues but also supplies standard abbreviations for biblical and extra-biblical books commonly employed in the field. Not only that, but a student can look at copies of the Journal of Biblical Literature on any library shelf for examples of how everything is done. If you plan to do an M.A. thesis in biblical studies and continue on in this field you absolutely must purchase a copy of this. It is worth your while to get used to doing things according to the stylebook as soon as possible. I will include their biblical book abbreviation guide with this document.

Changes from CBC&S Guide

1)Please use Times New Roman font at either 11pt or 12pt size.

2) Please use Ibid when a footnote source is exactly the same as the source in the previous footnote. You simply write Ibid. or Ibid, with the different page number if that is not the same.

3) Put books, journals, etc in italics not underlined.

Form Expectations (Points taken off if not followed)

1)Include a title page plus one blank page (for my comments) at the beginning. The title page should include the student’s e-mail address and postal address. This includes papers turned in attached from e-mail.

2) Repeat the title of the paper on the first page.

3)Number each page, except the title page and blank page. It is very common for students to turn in unnumbered term papers since this must be inserted in documents and is not done automatically.

4)Use a one-inch margin all around the paper. Word automatically does 1 ¼” on the left and right, but this is not necessary unless you plan to have your paper bound (as you would a thesis). The only exception is the first page, which should have a two-inch top margin.

5)If a paper is more than 5 pages in length, it should have subdivisions: Introduction, Body, Conclusion, Bibliography. The introduction should orient readers to the subject plus contain a thesis statement (what you think or what you will prove) plus a layout of how this thesis will be proved or examined (subsection titles.). The Conclusion should summarize what the paper has done, reaffirm or state a modified form of the thesis based on the results in the paper, and then look to wider areas of application, theologically, biblically, in the church, personally, or for current culture.

Style Expectations (Points taken off if not followed)

1)Use SBL abbreviations for Bible books. Do not use a period after the abbreviation.

2)When referencing a single psalm do not use the plural: Psalm 140:1

2)When starting a sentence with a biblical reference, write out the name of the book in full: First Timothy 3:4 is a great verse. Otherwise, it may be abbreviated: I love 1 Tim 3:4. When mentioning the chapter only, you must write out book name: I love 1 Timothy 3

3)Do not capitalize pronouns that refer to God.

4)Capitalize Bible and Scripture but not biblical and scriptural,

5)Do not punctuate a subordinate clause as if it is a complete sentence.

6)Do not begin sentences with “but” or “and.” Change “but” to “However,” Eliminate “And”.

7)When using “but” in a complex sentence, do not precede it with a comma, unless the subsequent clause is complete (has a subject and a verb): He went to the store but did not buy bread. He went to the store, but he did not buy bread.

8)Make sure your verb and subject are in agreement (plural-plural, singular-singular)

9)Do not quote lengthy portions from your resources. Only quote when the author says something particularly well, and even then, keep it to the best part, maybe a sentence, or a portion of a sentence you can include in your sentence. You can summarize in your own words what the author says as much as you want. If it is a primary, hard-to-access ancient resource, like from Qumran or Greek philosophers or something, lengthier quotations are acceptable but they usually should be done as a block quote.

10)Footnotes or in-text notes are acceptable, though footnotes provide you more latitude to comment on or quote from the references.

Writing Style Advice

1)Avoid using very weak words like “very,” “pretty,” “a lot,” “clearly.”

2)Never begin sentences with “I think,” “I feel,” or “There is/are.” Make whatever you are talking about the subject. I think the sky is blue today> The sky is blue today.

3)Use active rather than passive verbs.

4)Find something stronger than “is/are” as a verb. Use a thesaurus.

5)Avoid “I” as much as possible. Think in terms of a wider scope, like “Many Christians” or “Most People.”

6)Write in gender inclusive language but do not use he/she. The best way to keep from writing yourself into a corner on this is too write in the plural. Rather than writing, “A Christian should keep himself (herself?) pure,” you can write, “Christians should keep themselves pure.”

Research Guidelines

1)Do not rely on internet resources. Even though they are convenient to access, these are usually inferior to published work.