Corinthian Christianity (Eng. & Greek Text)

NT621 Paul and Corinthian Christianity (English Text)
NT631 Paul and Corinthian Christianity (Greek Text)

Workload: One semester, 4 credit points, 36 contact hours, 160 demand hours
Status: Elective
Who: Rev. Dr. Tim Foster
When: Semester 1, 2012
Prerequistes: One NT exegesis unit. eg. John
NB: MDiv only. Undergraduates may take this unit at 600 level.
No exam.

Purpose
This course is designed to examine in detail 1 Corinthians, framing our enquiry around missiological and pastoral application of the concerns raised in the letters.

The teaching methodology  is designed to promote collaborative learning with participants taking greater responsibility for their own learning and supporting others in their learning.

The exegetical methodology promotes the importance of understanding the cultural background and utilising advanced Greek language skills such as syntactical diagramming. Students’ translation and cross-cultural ministry skills will be enhanced by introducing dynamic-equivalence translation along side formal translation.

Students will also gain a deeper understanding of the theology and key themes, particularly as they relate to contemporary mission and ministry including nature of power and authority, sexual ethics, the nature and limits of Christian freedom, gender issues in family and church, Christian worship, the nature of ministry, and suffering in ministry.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit you will

  • Have a greater capacity to work cooperatively with others, with an improved understanding of how you work in a team and how to manage group dynamics.
  • Understand a methodology for biblical exegesis, including sdynamic-equivalence translation the use of commentaries, and evaluation of scholarly research.
  • Understand the meaning of selected chapters of the text within the broader structure and argument of the letters
  • Understand aspects of the theology of the Corinthian correspondence and how they impact our approach to mission and ministry in the contemporary context.

Required Texts
An extended bibliography will be provided. The following must be purchased prior to the start of semester:

At least two of the following:

Bailey, Kenneth E., Paul Through Mediterranean Eye: Cultural studies in 1 Corinthians. (Downers Grove: IVP, 2011).

Camper, R. E. and B. S. Rosner The First Letter to the Corinthians (Pillar). (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2010). (Recommended)

Garland, D., 1 Corinthians (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003).

Thiselton, A. C., The First Epistle to the Corinthians (NIGTC). (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000). (Greek students must include this commentary)

In addition Greek students must have a copy of:

Wallace, Daniel B., Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics (Zondervan, 1996).

Recommended

Fee, G. D., The First Epistle to the Corinthians (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987).

Murphy-O’Connor, J.  St. Paul's Corinth : Texts and Archaeology (Good News Studies, Vol. 6) (Willmington: Glazier, 1983)

Winter, B. W., After Paul Left Corinth: The Influence of Secular Ethics and Social Change (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001).

Witherington, B., Conflict and Community in Corinth: A Socio–Rhetorical Commentary on 1 and 2 Corinthians (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994).

Assessment
Porfolio (60%)
Word equivalent: 3,500 words.
Students will present a portfolio at the end of the unit which will demonstrate their contribution to the class, translation and other exercises.

Essay (40%)
Word count: 2,500 words.
An essay exploring one of the key themes of the Corinthian correspondence. Topics to be determined by the class.

In keeping with the collaborative nature of this unit, students will present a 300 word synopsis, outline and bibliography four weeks before the due date for discussion with other class members answering the same question. 20% of the grade for this paper will be based on the lecturer's perception of the usefulness of this material to other class members.

Passages to be Covered
1 Corinthians 1.10-2.5
Focus 1.17-2.5

1 Corinthians 2.6-4.13
Focus 2.6-16

1 Corinthians 7.1-38
Focus 7.25-38

1 Corinthians 10.14-11.1
Focus 10.23-30

1 Corinthians 11.2-34
Focus 11.2-16

1 Corinthians 14.1-40
Focus 14.13-25