Details for Romans Galatians and Paul's Narrative World

An examination of Romans with the epistolary and rhetorical conventions that dictate its message. After the “New Perspective” is examined through Galatians, the paper then moves from the particularity of the letters to the generality of Pauline worldview, and the constraints posed by the epistolary mode itself. 

Awards offering Romans Galatians and Paul's Narrative World

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

An examination of Romans with the epistolary and rhetorical conventions that dictate its message. After the “New Perspective” is examined through Galatians, the paper then moves from the particularity of the letters to the generality of Pauline worldview, and the constraints posed by the epistolary mode itself.

Outcomes

Students should be able to:

1. Compare the Graeco-Roman rhetorical conventions and Paul’s appropriation of them within an epistolary context
2. Explain the development of major themes in Romans  and Galatians against their background
3. Assess the implications, from Paul’s arguments, for Pauline worldview and modern Christian theology
4. Apply exegetical skills to provide sustained and extended argument on the interpretation of Romans and Galatians
5. Analyse  Paul’s narrative worldview and apply it to the context of Christian ministry
6. Demonstrate critical engagement with both the primary biblical materials and secondary literature from a range of perspectives 

Subject Content

1. Situating Galatians
2. The “New Perspective,” textual integrity and the rhetoric of Galatians
3. Paul’s mission to Spain, the Jerusalem collection, Claudius’ expulsion and anti-Semitism in Rome: the reason for Romans
4. Examination of the rhetoric, content and theology of Galatians and Romans
5. Exegesis of selected passages
6. Implication for Paul’s Narrative World: Christology, the Torah and the future of Israel

This course may be offered in the following formats

Lectures, group discussion, online engagement

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

Major Essay (50%, 2500 words); Forum Postings (20%, 2500 words); Test (30%, 1 hour)

Prescribed Text

Moo, DJ. Romans NICNT. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996.

Representative References

Arnold, C.E. (ed),  Romans, Galatians.  Grand Rapids:  Zondervan, 2007.

Barrick, W.D. “The New Perspective and ‘Works of the Law’: Gal 2:16 and Rom 3:20,” Master’s Seminary Journal 16:2 (2005):  277-292.

Bertone, J. “The Experience of Glossolalia and the Spirit’s Empathy: Romans 8:26 Revisited,” Pneuma 25:1 (2003):  54-65.

Eisenbaum, P. “Is Paul the Father of Misogyny and Antisemitism?” Cross Currents 50:4 (2000-01):  506-524.

Fee, G.D. Galatians. Pentecostal Commentary. Dorset, UK: Deo, 2007

Fitzmyer, J.A.  Romans. New York: Doubleday, 1992.

Hays, R.B. The Faith of Jesus Christ. Grand Rapids:Eerdmans, 2001.

Kern, P.H. Rhetoric and Galatians: Assessing an Approach to Paul’s Epistle, Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2007.

Minear, P.S. The Obedience of Faith: The Purpose of Paul in the Epistle to the Romans. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Pub, 2003.

Nanos, M.D. ed, The Galatians Debate: Contemporary Issues in Rhetorical and Historical Interpretation. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2002.

Witherington III, B. & Hyatt, Darlene. Paul’s Letter to the Romans: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004.

Journals

Biblical Interpretation

Catholic Biblical Quarterly

European Journal of Theology

Interpretation

Journal for the Study of the New Testament

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

Journal of Pentecostal Theology

Pneuma