Details for The Pastoral Epistles

To examine the so-called Pastoral letters ascribed to Paul; 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. The issues of pseudonymity, literary dependency and the various world-views developed from the text(s) are examined 

Awards offering The Pastoral Epistles

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

• Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry
• Diploma in Biblical Studies (Level 6)

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

To examine the so-called Pastoral letters ascribed to Paul; 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. The issues of pseudonymity, literary dependency and the various world-views developed from the text(s) are examined.

Outcomes

Students should be able to:

1. analyse the content and themes of the (Deutero)Pauline literature
2. explain the relevance of the historical, geographical, social background and the literary nature of each book
3. apply hermeneutical principles in exegeting sample texts
4. compare appropriate secondary literature, introductions and commentaries
5. demonstrate critical engagement with both the primary biblical materials and secondary literature from a range of perspectives
6. demonstrate and apply a critically informed reading of the text and its relevance for preparation for Christian ministry  

Subject Content

1. Genre identification
2. Compare/contrast Pauline/Deutero Pauline literature
3. Occasion and Purpose; Rhetorical Strategy; Narrative world
4. Exegesis of individual texts
5. Application to ministry

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

Exegetical Essay (40%, 2000 words); Thematic Essay (60%, 3000 words)

Prescribed Text

No prescribed text

Representative References

Davies, M. The Pastoral Epistles. Harrisburg: Continuum, 2006.

Downs, D. “‘Early Catholicism’ and Apocalypticism in the Pastoral Epistles.” Catholic Biblical Quarterly 67:4 (2005): 641-661.

Fiore, B. Pastoral Epistles: First Timothy, Second Timothy, and Titus, Sacra Pagina Series. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2003.

Fitzmyer, J.A. “The Structured Ministry of the Church in the Pastoral Epistles.” Catholic Biblical Quarterly 66:4 (2004):  582-596.

Gilfillan Upton, B. “Can Stepmothers be Saved? Another Look at 1 Timothy 2:8-15,” Feminist Theology 15:2 (2007):  175-185.

Guthrie, D. The Pastoral Epistles.  Downers Grove:  IVP Academic, 2009.

Harding, M. What Are They Saying About the Pastoral Epistles. Mahwah: Paulist Press, 2001.

Johnson, L.T. First and Second Letters to Timothy. AB35A. New York: Doubleday, 2001.

Kelly, J.N.D.  The Pastoral Epistles:  Black’s New Testament Commentary.  Peabody MA:  Hendrickson Publishers, 2009.

Kidd, R.W. Wealth and Beneficence in the Pastoral Epistles.  SBLDS122, Atlanta: Scholars, 1990.

Mounce, W.D. Pastoral Epistles. WBC46. Waco: Word, 2000.

Phillips, J. Exploring the Pastoral Epistles.  Grand Rapids:  Kregel Academic & Professional, 2003.

Towner, P.H. The Letters to Timothy and Titus. NICNT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006.

Wieland, G.M.  The Significance of Salvation:  A Study of Salvation Language in the Pastoral Epistles.  Eugene, OR:  Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2006.

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