New Testament Studies Department Course Descriptions 2007
Undergraduate Level
NT 4030 (401) Beginning Greek I
Introduction to phonology, morphology, and grammar of New Testament Greek, with readings in the Johannine literature or the Thessalonian correspondence and vocabulary development. Designed for students with little or no background in beginning Greek. Not for graduate credit. May not be audited unless already taken for credit at Trinity. Offered fall. Four hours.
NT 4031 (402) Beginning Greek II
Further study in phonology, morphology, and grammar of New Testament Greek, with readings in the Johannine literature or the Thessalonian correspondence and vocabulary development. Not for graduate credit. May not be audited unless already taken for credit at Trinity. Prerequisite: NT 4030. Offered spring. Four hours.
NT 4038 (491) Greek Review
Review of the elements of New Testament Greek, giving special attention to vocabulary, verbal forms and grammar. Prerequisite: a minimum of one year of credible undergraduate Greek with a B average. Not for graduate credit. May not be audited unless already taken for credit at Trinity. Offered fall. Three hours.
Master’s Level
NT 5000 (500) Introduction to the New Testament
Introductory survey of the New Testament, including the life and ministry of Christ, apostolic history, New Testament literature, principal critical issues, and the unity and diversity of New Testament theology. This course meets the NT General Comprehensive requirement for MA students and the English Bible competency requirement for MDiv students, who must meet the SBCT requirement. Not for credit in the MA/NT or MA/OT programs. Elective credit in MDiv program. Auditors are not permitted in General Comp courses unless they have taken previous undergraduate course work in the subject or are not intending to complete the MA program. Offered spring. Four hours.
NT 5010 (506) Foundations in Biblical Studies
The course emphasizes biblical content and application with attention to developing skills to guide interpretation and understanding of Scripture in order to build, inform, and critique vocational practice. In the context of such an overview, relevant passages throughout the whole of Scripture may be sampled with particular attention to methods of understanding, interpreting, and applying such passages. This course does not satisfy requirements in the MDiv program. Not open to students taking OT or NT 500. Cross-list as OT. Offered fall. Three hours.
NT 5100 (550) English Bible: (Book Title)
Demonstration of inductive Bible study method and treatment of the special teaching of a particular book or books of the New Testament based on the English text. May be repeated for credit as the book studied changes. Two to three hours.
NT 5175 (617) Evangelistic Bible Study: Mark
Cross-list as ME. Three hours.
NT 5210 (503) New Testament Greek Exegesis I
Study in the use of Greek for the interpretation and application of the New Testament. Included are review of morphology, survey of syntax, introduction to textual criticism, and study of exegetical methodology. Participants must register for the same section of NT 5210-5211-5212 each semester. Placement in a specific section is made by the NT Department based on one of the following prerequisites: the score on Trinity’s Greek proficiency test (usually reflecting two years of undergraduate Greek), completion level of NT 4030-4031, or NT 4038. May not be audited unless already taken for credit at Trinity. Offered fall. Note: Registrants should ensure that they also take HM 5000 before or simultaneously with NT 5210 or NT 5211 to meet the NT 6600 prerequisite. Four hours.
NT 5211 (504) New Testament Greek Exegesis II
Further study in the use of Greek for the interpretation and application of the New Testament. Participants must register for the same section of NT 5210-5211-5212 each semester. May not be audited unless already taken for credit at Trinity. Prerequisite NT 5210. Offered spring. Note: Registrants should ensure that they also take HM 5000 before or simultaneously with NT 5210 or NT 5211 to meet the NT 6600 prerequisite. Two hours.
NT 5212 (505) New Testament Greek Exegesis III
Advanced study in the analysis of selected New Testament passages with a view to sermon preparation. Participants must register for the same section of 5210-5211-5212 each semester. NT 5212 requires simultaneous registration for NT 6600. May not be audited unless already taken for credit at Trinity. Prerequisite NT 5211, and HM 5000 or concurrent registration. Offered spring. One hour.
NT 6000 (675) Current Studies in New Testament
Topics selected deal with significant issues related to New Testament studies. One to three hours.
NT 6221 (621) Synoptic Gospels and Johannine Literature
A survey of the Gospels, the Johannine letters, and the book of Revelation, with more intensive study of selected texts and issues. Included are survey of New Testament background, evaluation of various critical approaches to the Gospels and to the life of Christ, consideration of historical reliability, survey of central theological themes in the teaching of Jesus, the individual Gospels, and the Johannine corpus, and discussion of the hermeneutics of the interpretation of the Revelation. Prerequisites: NT 5210, and NT 5000 or passing the NT portion of the Standard Bible Content Test. Audit permitted only with instructor’s consent. Three hours.
NT 6222 (622) Acts and the Pauline and General Epistles
A survey of the Book of Acts, the Pauline epistles, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, and Jude, with more intensive study of selected texts and issues. Included are survey of apostolic history, discussion of the historicity and message of the Book of Acts, consideration of the life, mission, and theology of the Apostle Paul, and evaluation of the individual letters in their relationship to apostolic history and the life of the church. Prerequisites: NT 5210, and NT 5000 or passing the NT portion of the Standard Bible Content Test. Audit permitted only with instructor’s consent. Three hours.
NT 6600 (600) Preaching from the New Testament
An interdepartmental “exegesis for preaching” course team-taught by faculty from both the New Testament and Pastoral Theology departments. The course will equip the student to make the transition from exegesis to exposition, to move from text to sermon. Prerequisite or concurrent registration in HM 5000, as well as NT 5211 and 5212. Offered spring. One hour.
NT 7040 (769) Syriac
Cross-list as OT. Three hours.
NT 7210 (701) Matthew
Examination of the structure and theology of Matthew, with special attention to exegesis of specific passages. Prerequisite: NT 5210. Offered alternate years. Three hours.
NT 7240 (704) Lukan Writings
History and theology in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Special attention is given to narrative structure. Passages are selected from both books for study in depth. Prerequisite: NT 5210. Offered alternate years. Three hours.
NT 7260 (706) Romans
Stress on the theology of Paul, with consideration of the distinctive emphases of the epistle: Paul’s teaching on Judaism, salvation history, the power of sin, righteousness, the Holy Spirit, and the future of Israel. Prerequisites: NT 5210, NT 6222, or concurrent enrollment. Offered alternate years. Three hours.
NT 7270 (707) Corinthian Correspondence
Historical background and principal theological emphases of these letters addressed to a first-century Gentile church. Prerequisites: NT 5210, NT 6222, or concurrent enrollment. Offered alternate years. Three hours.
NT 7395 (751) Hermeneutics
Cross-list as ST. Three hours.
Advanced Master’s/Doctoral Level
NT 7610 (714) Hebrews
Stress on the technique and method of book study. The distinctive emphases of the book are considered: the person and work of Christ, the philosophy of history, and the use of the Old Testament. Prerequisite: NT 5210. Offered alternate years. Two hours master’s or doctoral.
NT 7620 (725) Revelation
Intensive historical, doctrinal, and critical study of the Apocalypse; interpretation of the messages and visions of the book, with consideration of the preterist, historic, idealist, and futurist positions. Prerequisite: NT 5210. Master’s three hours, doctoral 3+1 hours.
NT 7710 (745) Intertestamental Period
History of the period from the close of the Old Testament canon in the fifth century B.C. to the time of Christ, with special emphasis on the literature and theology of the period. Prerequisites: NT 6221 or 6222 or concurrent enrollment. Offered alternate years. Cross-list as OT. Master’s three hours, doctoral 3+1 hours.
NT 7720 (731) Backgrounds of Early Christianity
Introduction to primary sources and recent literary finds in Judaism, the Hellenistic religions, and the social history of the early Roman Empire; provides a background for the study of the ministry of Jesus and the life and mission of the early church. Offered alternate years. Cross-list as CH. Master’s three hours, doctoral 3+1 hours.
NT 7730 (732) New Testament History
A study of the origins and the growth of the early church in the context of the history and the culture of the early Roman Empire, with particular attention to historical events, developments, and personalities, including chronological questions, exegetical interpretation of key New Testament and extrabiblical passages, and theological analyses of major trajectories. Prerequisite: NT 5210. Master’s three hours, doctoral 3+1 hours.
NT 8000 (845) Seminar: Current Issues in New Testament Studies
Issues of importance in New Testament history, criticism, interpretation, and theology discussed in a seminar setting. Two or three hours, doctoral as posted.
NT 8420 (741) Criticism of the Gospels
Seminar in the contemporary literary and historical approaches to the Gospel narratives and the formulation of a constructive position regarding the synoptic problem, the structure of the Gospel narratives, the composition of the fourth Gospel, and the relation of faith and history. Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment in NT 6221. Offered alternate years. Master’s three hours, doctoral 3+1 hours.
NT 8430 (749) History of New Testament Interpretation
A survey of the history of criticism of the New Testament primarily from the late eighteenth century to the present. Particular emphasis on the development of critical methodologies, relationships between critical approaches and worldview, and evangelical responses to the key movements. Prerequisites: NT 6221 or 6222 or current enrollment. Offered alternate years. Master’s three hours, doctoral 3+1 hours.
NT 8610 (763) The Teaching of Jesus
Study in the methods and content of Jesus’ teaching with collateral reading in the modern interpreters of Jesus. Offered alternate years. Prerequisites: NT 5210, NT 6221, or concurrent enrollment. Cross-list as ST. Master’s three hours, doctoral 3+1 hours.
NT 8620 (762) Johannine Theology
Study in the theology of the Johannine literature, including critical appraisal of representative modern works. Offered alternate years. Prerequisites: NT 5210, NT 6221, or concurrent enrollment. Cross-list as ST. Two hours master’s or doctoral.
NT 8630 (764) Pauline Theology
Analysis and synthesis of Paul’s letters and related documents (e.g., Acts, the Gospels, the Old Testament) with the goal of better understanding his theology as a whole. Includes evaluation of the New Perspective. Prerequisites: NT 5210, NT 6222, or concurrent enrollment. Offered alternate years. Cross-list as ST. Two hours master’s or doctoral.
NT 8640 (761) New Testament Theology
Study of the major themes of New Testament theology, the distinctive contributions of the biblical authors, and the issue of unity and diversity within the canon of the New Testament. Pre/concurrent requisites: NT 5210, NT 6221, or 6222 or current enrollment. Cross-list as ST. Master’s three hours, doctoral 3+1 hours.
NT 8720 (771) Advanced Greek Exegesis
Intensive exegetical study of a selected book (usually Acts, 2 Corinthians, the Pastoral Epistles, or Hebrews) or series of texts, evaluating the methods and conclusions of representative commentaries in light of recent studies in grammar and textual criticism. Prerequisites: NT 5210, NT 6222, or concurrent enrollment. Two hours master’s or doctoral.
NT 8721 (772) Advanced Greek Grammar
Studies in Greek grammar and syntax as they inform New Testament exegesis with special reference to standard grammars and contemporary linguistic discussion. Prerequisites: NT 5210, NT 6221, or 6222 or current enrollment. Master’s three hours, doctoral 3+1 hours.
NT 8722 (776) The Septuagint and the New Testament
History of the version; translation of representative passages; consideration of the Septuagint’s influence on New Testament grammar, lexicography, and theology; interaction with past and current Septuagint scholarship. Prerequisites: NT 5211 and OT 5242. Cross-list as ST. Two hours, master’s or doctoral.
NT 8723 (778) New Testament Textual Criticism
Analysis of the materials, history, and principles of New Testament textual criticism with application to selected passages. Prerequisites: NT 5211, NT 6221, or 6222 or current enrollment. Offered on demand. Two hours master’s or doctoral.
Doctoral Seminars
NT 9000 (910) Issues in New Testament Theology
Topics are chosen to reflect research interests of faculty or program participants, or that explore matters of concern to New Testament theology. May be repeated. One to four hours.
NT 9150 (912) Old Testament Quotations in the New Testament
This seminar works through representative quotations and allusions from the Old Testament in the New, in various corpora of the New Testament, in order to probe the difficult questions surrounding the relationships between the Testaments. Interest centers not only on questions of text and form but on the manner in which Old Testament texts are handled in Second Temple Judaism and on the diversity of ways in which the New Testament appeals to the Old, the appropriation techniques involved, and especially the hermeneutical axioms and warrants that explicitly or implicitly underlie such appropriation. An attempt is made to relate such findings to selected larger issues of biblical and systematic theology, in short, how Christians can have a unified canon, preaching, and teaching from the entire Bible. 3+1 hours.
NT 9160 (925) Missions in the New Testament
This seminar integrates historical and exegetical research with theological reflection and missiological reality. Lectures and seminar papers will focus on the historical presuppositions, the geographical realities, the cultural and religious contexts, the communicative strategies, and the content of the missionary enterprise of the early Christian church. 3+1 hours.
NT 9175 (917) Mystery in the New Testament
After surveying the possible Hellenistic and Jewish backgrounds of musthvrion, this course examines all the musthvrion passages in the New Testament, taking particular notice of the context and flow of the argument. The concern is not only to gain a competent grasp of these passages but to wrestle with the themes of hiddenness and revelation in the biblical canon and to reflect how these themes are tied to larger theological structures. In particular, it is important to weigh how the same gospel, which is sometimes said to be prophesied under the categories of the old covenant and fulfilled in terms of the new, is here said to be hidden in the past and now revealed in the new. 3+1 hours.
NT 9220 (915) Acts and Early Christian Historiography
This seminar seeks to examine the theology and narrative structure of the Acts of the Apostles within its literary and historical contexts. Particular attention will be paid to the relevance of OT, and Second Temple Jewish and Greco-Roman historical writings for the understanding of the Lukan portrayal of the early Christian movement. Beyond the emphasis on the material content of these works, this seminar will also focus on the related methodological issues in the interpretation of ancient narrative texts. 3+1 hours.
NT 9280 (920) Revelation and Apocalyptic Literature
This course will study the Book of Revelation from four perspectives: antecedents (the meaning and use of “apocalyptic” in the ancient world), models (Jewish and Hellenistic apocalyptic works), exegesis (the study of individual texts), and biblical theology (the study of themes in the Book of Revelation). 3+1 hours.
NT 9715 (916) Roots, Theory & Practice of New Testament Theology
The seminar will dwell on the post-Renaissance and Enlightenment background of the discipline of New Testament Theology, seminal figures and issues in its history (especially leading up to Troeltsch and Bultmann), and the current harvest of individual New Testament theologies. Topics receiving specific attention will include definition of “New Testament theology,” indebtedness of “historical” study to philosophical and theological schools of thought, and the viability of heilsgeschichtlich in comparison to religionsgeschichtlich approaches. 3+1 hours.
NT 9735 (923) Advanced Hermeneutics
The course studies the history of hermeneutic theory in this century, especially with regard to current challenges to the possibilities of discovering meaning in the biblical text in the post-Gadamer era, with particular attention to biblical-critical (form, redaction, narrative criticism), sociocritical (liberation, black, feminist), and postmodern (deconstruction, reader response) concerns. 3+1 hours.