Content

This unit provides an in-depth study of Paul’s letters to the Philippians and the Second Letter to the Corinthians using the Greek text. The study of the letters will focus on the theological and rhetorical resources used by Paul for the purpose of nurturing churches that understand and take up their vocation in the world. Particular attention will therefore be paid to Paul’s key theological convictions (gospel), his construal of the social identity of his audiences (church), and his persuasive aims in each of the letters in relation to the church’s mission (world). The unit will also consider Paul’s self-portrayal with a view to exploring the understanding of Christian ministry offered within the letters. The unit builds on introductory understanding of New Testament Greek by providing opportunity to translate and exegete the text with reference to the original language.

Unit code: BN9110P

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate an understanding of missiological hermeneutics in relation to early Christian texts, especially the letters of Paul.

2.

Describe and offer a critical interpretation of key aspects of Philippians and 2 Corinthians in the light of critical scholarship

3.

Discuss, with in depth exegetical support, the nature of Paul’s argument and theology in Philippians and 2 Corinthians

4.

Critically assess sections of the Greek text in Philippians and 2 Corinthians which explore the relationship between theological conviction, ecclesial identity, and missional practice

5.

Articulate the potential connections between biblical texts and the theory and practice of missiology.

6.

Use their understanding of Greek grammar in the service of exegesis and interpretation of selected passages of the New Testament

Unit sequence

15 Points Foundational NT Study or equivalent; 30 points of New Testament Greek

Prohibited combinations: BN9100P/BN9109P: Gospel Church and World: Mission and Ministry in Philippians and 2 Corinthians

Pedagogy

Lectures, Group work, Tutorials/Translation Support

Indicative Bibliography

  • Aland, Barbara, Kurt Aland, Johannes Karavidopoulos, Carlo M. Martini and Bruce M. Metzger, eds. Novum Testamentum Graece. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2012.
  • Barnett, Paul. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997.
  • Bockmuehl, Markus. The Epistle to the Philippians. 4th ed. London: A & C Black, 1997.
  • Fee, Gordon. D. Paul's Letter to the Philippians. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1995.
  • Hafemann, Scott J. Suffering and Ministry in the Spirit: Paul's Defence of His Ministry in II Corinthians 2:14-3:3 Paternoster Biblical Monographs. Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2000.
  • Harvey, A. E.Renewal through Suffering: A Study of 2 Corinthians Studies in the New Testament and Its World. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1996.
  • Fowl, Stephen E. Philippians. Grand Rapids / Cambridge: Eerdmans, 2005.
  • Lim, Kar Yong. 'The Sufferings of Christ Are Abundant in Us': A Narrative Dynamics Investigation of Paul's Sufferings in 2 Corinthians. London: T & T Clark International, 2009.
  • Matera, Frank J. II Corinthians: A Commentary The New Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2003.
  • McCant, Jerry W. 2 Corinthians Readings. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic, 1999.
  • O'Brien, Peter T. The Epistle to the Philippians: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.
  • Schnabel, Eckhard J. Paul the Missionary: Realities, Strategies and Methods. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2008.
  • Stegman, Thomas. The Character of Jesus: The Linchpin to Paul's Argument in 2 Corinthians. Rome: Pontifico Istituto Biblico, 2005.
  • Thrall, Margaret E. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, Volume 1: Introduction and Commentary on II Corinthians I–VII. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1994.
  • Thrall, Margaret E. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, Volume Ii: Introduction and Commentary on II Corinthians VIII–XIII. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 2000.
  • Ware, James. The Mission of the Church in Paul's Letter to the Philippians and in the Context of Ancient Judaism. Leiden / Boston: Brill, 2005.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

6000 word essay on either 2 Corinthians or Philippians, based on the Greek text

0 100.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2014

Unit record last updated: 2020-10-28 14:50:33 +1100