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BSGK 619: Greek Exegesis: Ephesians
Cincinnati Bible Seminary
Cincinnati Christian University
Fall 2013
Thomas A. Vollmer M 6:30pm-9:10pm
3 Graduate Hours
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A study of selected New Testament texts. Emphasis is placed on dynamic translation in the interpretive process. 3 hours.
RATIONALE
A reading knowledge of Koine Greek is important for accurately interpreting the New Testament. This course builds on the Beginning and Intermediate Greek courses offered by CCU. It introduces key concepts related to New Testament Greek syntax. It focuses on incorporating careful, fluent reading of the Greek New Testament in the interpretive process. It seeks to provide students with knowledge and experience in the careful exegesis of the Greek New Testament by means of the shared exploration of the Greek text of the Letter to the Ephesians.
OBJECTIVES
Students who satisfactorily complete BSGK 619 will:
1. Demonstrate practical facility in reading the Greek New Testament.
2. Identify issues of lexical semantics and syntax significant for exegesis of specific texts.
3. Utilize the best reference works to address linguistic questions related to exegesis of specific texts.
4. Employ insights from careful analysis of Greek New Testament texts in formulating a robust interpretation of those texts.
5. Integrate such informed interpretation into the formation of theology and practice.
AGENDA
This agenda is subject to revision according to the progress of the class and other circumstances. There is no guarantee that all subjects will be treated fully.
Aug 26 Introduction to Course
Grammar Review
Sept 9 Introduction to Syntax
Wallace, New Testament Syntax, pp. 28-92
Nominative, Genitive, Dative, and Accusative Cases
16 Wallace, New Testament Syntax, pp. 93-139
Articles and adjectives
Ephesians 1:3-14
23 Wallace, New Testament Syntax, pp. 140-173
Pronouns and prepositions
Ephesians 1:15-23
30 Wallace, New Testament Syntax, pp. 174-212
Person and number, voice and moods
Ephesians 2:1-10
Oct 7 Wallace, New Testament Syntax, pp. 213-253
Tenses, present, imperfect, aorist, future, perfect and pluperfect
Ephesians 2:11-22
14 Wallace, New Testament Syntax, pp. 254-285
Infinitives and participles
Ephesians 3:1-7
21 Wallace, New Testament Syntax, pp. 286-321
Greek clauses, conjunctions, and conditional sentences
Ephesians 3:8-19 (Reflection Paper Due)
28 Ephesians 3:20-21; 4:1-16; 4:17-19
Nov 4 Ephesians 4:20-24; 4:25-32
11 Ephesians 5:1-14
18 Ephesians 5:15-20; 5:21-24 (Research Paper Due)
Dec 2 Ephesians 5:25-33; 6:1-9
9 Ephesians 6:10-24
Final Review and Reflection
16 Final Exam
LEARNING EXPERIENCES, COURSE PROCEDURES, AND ASSIGNMENTS
1) To prepare for each week’s class, each student must complete the following (Assesses Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4):
a) Read the Greek text listed in the agenda, delimit the Greek text noting where section breaks are located, translate the text into idiomatic English, parse all forms, and identify grammatical structures (prepare notes in advance and bring to class to aid in discussion).
b) Read Hoehner’s commentary on the assigned text.
c) Read articles in the major exegetical resources on key words from the assigned text.
d) Compare the use of key words in the text to their use in other NT and LXX passages (use concordances and software as needed).
e) Consult one or more standard Greek grammars for discussion of points in syntax in the text.
f) Formulate questions or identify issues related to the text’s present theological application and create homiletical or didactic elements for presenting the text’s message.
2) The class sessions will focus on group discussion of the features of the text, exploration of resources for exegesis, articulation of theological themes, and the identification of themes for contemporary application.
3) On one occasion during the semester, each student will be responsible to serve as “expert” on the assigned text, attaining “expertise” by conducting thorough research beyond the normal week’s preparation and assembling notes on that research for presentation in class (Assesses Objectives 2, 3, 4). “Experts” will conduct additional research on the text (examples include using other lexical references, commentaries, comparing word usages in the NT and LXX, journal articles, monographs, works on NT theology, etc.). The aim is for the student to have researched the passage to the point where a research paper can be written for the course. The student will be prepared to lead the discussion of the passage, in cooperation with the instructor.
4) Each student will write a reflection paper (approximately 1000 words) on the authorship of Ephesians (Assesses Objective 4). Some research will be needed, but it is not meant to be a research paper. Reflect on the question of who wrote the letter and why, including interaction with the Greek text to support your conclusion. More details will be given in class. The reflection paper must be typed, and should be submitted to Moodle by October 21.
5) For one of the texts on which the student is “expert,” that student will compose a research paper (approximately 3000 words) setting forth an exegesis of the passage (Assesses Objectives 2, 3, 4). The paper will be due on Nov 18 and is to be submitted to Moodle.
6) Final Exam (Assesses Objectives 1-5): A comprehensive final exam comprised of two parts will be given during exam week. The first part of the exam will cover basic issues pertinent to Greek syntax. In the second part, students will translate two groups of texts, one discussed in class and one not discussed. Questions pertaining to the translated texts can include grammatical, syntactical, and exegetical questions of relevance. A detailed study guide will be provided for the students to prepare for the examination.
GRADES
Grades will be assigned according to the following formula:
Weekly Preparation: 20%
Service as ‘expert’: 15%
Reflection Paper: 15%
Research Paper: 25%
Final Exam: 25%
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Because this class will largely function as a laboratory, attendance is vital. Students who expect in advance to be absent more than twice or who expect to regularly arrive late or leave early should not register for this course. Students who are absent more than three full sessions will receive a grade of FA unless: a) their absences were due to illness or other unforeseen emergency; b) they agree to complete additional work as specified by the instructor to meet the learning objectives of the course.
DISABILITY POLICY
Students who require academic accommodations due to any documented physical, psychological, or learning disability should request assistance from the Academic Support Director within the first two weeks of class. The Academic Support office is located in the Lower Level of the Worship and Ministry Building (room 153). You may also contact the office by phone (244-8420).
TEXTBOOKS
Any modern, critical edition of the Greek New Testament may be used for the course. Either of the following two is best:
The Greek New Testament. K. Aland, B. Metzger, et al., eds. 4th ed. United Bible Societies, 1994.
Novum Testamentum Graece. E. Nestle, K. Aland, et al., eds. 27th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellshaft, 1995.
Hoehner, Harold W. Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2002.
Wallace, Daniel B. The Basics of New Testament Syntax: An Intermediate Greek Grammar. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000.
SOFTWARE
Bible-study software is not required for the course but may be useful. BibleWorks and Logos are valuable. Students may want to explore and test out software through the course to decide whether to purchase it for themselves. Web-based resources continue to expand and can be useful.
PROJECTED DUE DATE TIMELINE
Weekly TranslationsSept 16 – Eph 1:3-14 / Sept 23 – Eph 1:15-23
Sept 30 – Eph 2:1-10 / Oct 7 – Eph 2:11-22
Oct 14 – Eph 3:1-7 / Oct 21 – Eph 3:8-19
Oct 28 – Eph 3:20-21; 4:1-19 / Nov 4 – Eph 4:20-32
Nov 11 – Eph 5:1-14 / Nov 18 – Eph 5:15-24
Dec 2 – Eph 5:25-33; 6:1-9 / Dec 9 – Eph 6:10-24
Oct 21 – Reflection Paper / Nov 18 – Research Essay