The Corinthian Correspondence (BN9010Y)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit will study the foundation of the Corinthian Community by Paul and the history of its relationship with the Apostle, and its pastoral problems as they emerge from the Corinthian Correspondence. It will include an exegetical and thematic study of 1-2 Corinthians focusing on Paul’s theological and pastoral responses to the issues that arose at Corinth. Paul is in dialogue with his own Jewish tradition, the community of Corinth, the first century world of the Roman Empire, and his own experience. The problems faced in Corinth help Paul to articulate new maps of time, space and people as these communities learn how to be Christian as they await the Lord’s return.

Unit code: BN9010Y

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Yarra Theological Union

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Learning outcomes

1.

Exegete specific texts from 1-2 Corinthians, making use of appropriate methodologies
2.

Critically evaluate Paul’s response to the specific challenges and problems faced by the Corinthian communities
3.

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the social, political and religious context of the Corinthian community and how it assists in the interpretation of Paul's responses to the issues faced in Corinth
4.

Recognise and analyse Paul’s rhetorical techniques used in 1-2 Corinthians

5.

Engage in independent research that involves the analytical use of biblical interpretative skills

Unit sequence

Two foundational units in Biblical Studies or equivalent.

Pedagogy

Lectures and class discussion

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bailey, Kenneth E. Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes: Cultural Studies in 1 Corinthians. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2011.
  • Barnett, Paul W. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians. NICNT. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1997.
  • Ciampa, Roy E., and Brian S. Rosner, The First Letter to the Corinthians. Pillar New Testament commentaries. Grand Rapids, MI and Nottingham: Eerdmans, Apollos, 2010.
  • Collins, Raymond F. 1st Corinthians. Sacra Pagina 7. Collegeville, MN: Glazier, 1999. (recommended for purchase)
  • Johnson, Luke Timothy. Constructing Paul. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2020.
  • Johnson, Luke Timothy. Interpreting Paul. Grand Rapids. Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2021.
  • Gorman, Michael J. Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul and His Letters. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2004. (recommended for purchase)
  • Meeks, Wayne. The First Urban Christians. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1983.
  • Neyrey, Jerome H. Paul, in Other Words: A Cultural Reading of his Letters. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox, 1990.
  • Roetzel, Calvin J. 2 Corinthians. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2007.
  • Talbert, Charles H. Reading Corinthians. A Literary and Theological Commentary on 1 and 2 Corinthians. New York, NY: Crossroad, 1987.
  • Witherington, Ben. New Testament Rhetoric: An Introductory Guide to the Art of Persuasion in and of the New Testament. Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2009.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

4500 word essay

4500 60.0
Exegetical Essay

2500 word exegetical paper

2500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 27 Jun, 2024

Unit record last updated: 2024-06-27 10:58:47 +1000