Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics

Course Description

TEO2110E Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics (10 credits/ECTS) builds on KRI1110E Introduction to the Bible and KRI1120E Biblical Hermeneutics and offers in-depth knowledge on the biblical material. The course focuses on precise exegesis of selected texts from the New Testament through the use of a broad selection of biblical scientific methods. The course is divided into two components that consist of exegetical material from:

1. a) two of Paul’s larger letters: Romans and 1 Corinthians. Focus is placed on Paul’s gospel and the relation between his Jewish background and his universal intentions. Reflections on Paul’s theology and his image of God will also be central themes.
2. b) the two writings of Luke: The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Focus is placed on questions regarding the historical accounts in both of these works, including Luke’s focus on the poor and marginalized, the parables, his presentation of the development of the early church, and the Kingdom of God as a theological theme.

Learning Outcomes

A student who has completed the course TEO2110E Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

KNOWLEDGE

The student:

• has a good understanding of the societal conditions of the Greek-Roman world during New Testament times.
• has a good understanding of the hermeneutical principles for working with New Testament texts.
• is familiar with elementary questions on the biblical texts that the exegetical texts are taken from.
• has a good understanding of the content, thought development and translation challenges for a selection of key texts from Luke and Paul.
• is familiar with the conflicts that arose between Jewish foundations and universal objectives in an expanding church for both Jews and Gentiles.
• has a good understanding of the early Christian movement’s mission thrust and its relation to contemporary culture.

SKILLS

The student:

• has the ability to handle critical questions of a text.
• possesses critical thinking skills on the usage of New Testament exegetical methodology.
• possesses critical thinking skills for reflecting over the portion of biblical texts that are the focus of today’s theological discourse.
• possesses critical thinking skills for evaluating modern translations of the New Testament.

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The student:

• demonstrates an understanding of how to interpret Greek texts in the New Testament.
• demonstrates an understanding of how to extract lessons from New Testament texts that can be used in sharing the gospel in the contemporary multicultural, multiethnic and multi-religious society.

Modes of Instruction

The course incorporates traditional lectures with interactive class- and group discussions, but also includes an assignment seminar that discusses student presentations of written work. The student is encouraged to complete the required reading in advance in order to maximize the learning outcome.

Required Reading

Bible texts

The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles:

• Luke 1:1-4; 4:1-30; 9:51-10,42; chapter 15; chapter 24.
• Acts 1:1-11; chapter 2; 10:1-11,18; chapter 15; 17:16-34; chapter 26.

The letters of Paul:

• 1 Corinthians chapters 1 and 2; 11:2-15,11
• Romans chapters 1 to 3, and chapter 8.

Bible translations: NRSV and Norsk Bibel 2011 (Bibelselskapet)

Textbooks

Bock, Darrel L. (2012) A Theology of Luke and Acts. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Gorman, Michael. (2003) Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul & His Letters. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Gorman, Michael J. (2009) Elements of Biblical Exegesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

Recommended Reading

Dunn, James D. G. (2006). The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Haacker, Klaus. (2003) The Theology of Paul´s Letter to the Romans. New Testament Theology. Cambridge: CUP.

Kuhn, Karl Allen. (2015) The Kingdom according to Luke and Acts: A Social, Literary and Theological Introduction. Baker Academics.

Mittelstadt, Martin William (2010). Reading Luke-Acts in the Pentecostal Tradition. CPT Press.

Spencer, F. Scott. (2011). The Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. IBT. Abingdon.

Turner, Max. (1996) Power from on High: The Spirit in Israel´s Restoration and Witness in Luke-Acts. Journal of Pentecostal Theology Supplement 9. Bloomsbury T&T Clark.

Wenk, Matthias. (2004) Community-Forming Power: The Socio-Ethical Role of the Spirit in Luke-Acts. Bloomsbury T&T Clark.

Wright, N. T. (2015) Paul and his Recent Interpreters. Fortress Press.

Language option:
Metzger, Bruce. Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament. 2 ed. Hendrickson, 2005.

Bible commentaries

• Ancient Commentary on Scriptures
• Bibelverket, Nye Luther Forlag.
• Hermeneia Commentaries
• New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT)
• Sacra Pagina

Word Biblical Commentary (WBC)