NT 1501: The Four Gospels

Fall Semester 2010

Tuesdays (Bangor)/Thursdays (Portland) 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Tentative until September 17

Contact Information for Pamela Shellberg

pshellberg@bts.edu
1-207-942-6781 ext. 117
1-800-287-6781 ext. 117

Course Description
This course is an in-depth study of the formation, content, and style of each of the four Gospels
with attention given to the historical contexts from which they emerged. We will examine the
distinctive portraits of Jesus presented in each Gospel as well as each gospel writer’s unique
theological formulations. At the same time, a process of biblical exegesis will shape our
engagement with the Gospels; the course will provide opportunities for practice. Finally, issues
related to hermeneutics and the interpretation of biblical texts will be addressed and discussed.
(There will also be art, crayons, beads, and poetry. Seriously.)

Course Objectives:

At the end of this course, the students will:

1. have read all four Gospels in their entirety and be able to describe their basic content and structure.

2. be able to describe the distinctive “portrait of Jesus” painted by each gospel writer having
developed a working knowledge of the theological themes, literary motifs, and unique features
characteristic of each Gospel.

3. be able to analyze how the historical, cultural, social, and religious contexts in which Jesus and the
gospel writers lived have shaped the literary form of the Gospels.

4. be able read the Gospels critically, engaging a variety of methods used to interpret Biblical texts.

5. be more skilled in the art and practice of exegesis and the use of research tools for translating and
interpreting Gospel texts.

6. be able to articulate why a serious engagement with the Gospel texts matters for the life of faith, for
the life of faith communities, and for the needs of the world today.
Fit with Degree Program Goals:

Knowledge of the breadth and depth of the ecumenical Christian heritage, including Scripture,
historical and contemporary theology and doctrine, liturgical traditions, and the history of the church.
Ability to develop and express mature personal faith, and with sensitivity and skill, teach the traditions
of the church, lead worship and preach, and engage in pastoral care.
Opportunities for growth in the spiritual traditions and practices in the life of the Church.

Required Reading

1. ALAND, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels

Synopsis of the Four Gospels: comp. revised on basis of the Greek text of Nestle-Aland
26th edition and Greek New Testament 3rd ed. ed. Kurt Aland ISBN-10: 3438054051
Library call number: 226.1 AL11s 1982

2. BROWN, Raymond. An Introduction to the New Testament [Brown, Intro]

New York: Doubleday, 1997 ISBN 0-385-24767-2
Library call number: 225.6 B814in

3. GORMAN, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers
[Gorman, Exegesis]
Peabody: Hendrickson, 2001. ISBN 1598563114

4. POWELL, Mark Allan. Fortress Introduction to the Gospels [Powell, Gospels]

Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1998 ISBN 0-8006-3075-0
Library call number: 226.P871f

5. POWELL, Mark Allan. Jesus as a Figure in History: How Modern Historians View the Man from
Galilee. [Powell, JAFIH]
Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1998 ISBN 0664257038
Library call number: 232.9P871j

6. THEISSEN, Gerd. The Shadow of the Galilean [Theissen, Shadow]

Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003 ISBN 0-8006-3900-6
Library call number: 232.9 T341s

One of the following study Bibles:

ATTRIDGE, Harold W. (General Editor, rev. ed.); Wayne A. MEEKS (General Editor, original
ed.). HarperCollins Study Bible: NRSV with the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books.
Revised and updated edition. San Francisco: HarperCollins, 2006.
ISBN 006078685X
 COOGAN, Michael D. (ed.), Marc Z. BRETTLER, Carol A. NEWSOM, and Pheme PERKINS
(assoc. eds.). New Oxford Annotated Bible: NRSV with the
Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books. 3rd edition. New York: Oxford University Press,
2001. ISBN 0195288807

HARRELSON, Walter J. (ed.). The New Interpreter’s Study Bible. Nashville: Abingdon Press,
2003.

7. There may be additional readings which will be provided for you.

Recommended:

1. ALLEN, O. Wesley, Jr. Reading the Synoptic Gospels: Basic Methods for Interpreting Matthew, Mark,
and Luke. We will read chapter 4 of this book and the excursus that follows for October 5/7
St. Louis: Chalice, 2000 ISBN 0827232195
Library call number: 226.06 AL54r

2. BAILEY, James L.,, and Lyle VANDER BROEK. Literary Forms in the New Testament.
We will read selected pages from this book for October 5/7 and November 2/4, 9/11, 16/18
Louisville: Westminster: 1992. ISBN 0664251544
Library call number: 225.6 B153L

3. EHRMAN, Bart D. The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings.
4th Edition, New York: Oxford University, 2007 ISBN 0199740305
3rd Edition. New York: Oxford University, 2004
Library call number: 225.34 Eh89n 2003

4. FULLER, Reginald H. Fuller. The Formation of the Resurrection Narratives

Minneapolis: Fortress, 1980 ISBN 0800613783
Library call number: 232.5 F959f 1980

5. MALINA, Bruce, and Richard ROHRBAUGH. Social-Science Commentary on the Synoptic Gospels.
2nd Edition. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2002. ISBN 0800634918
Library call number: 226.067 M295s 2003

6. MALINA, Bruce, and Richard ROHRBAUGH. Social-Science Commentary on the Gospel of John.
Minneapolis: Fortress, 1998. ISBN 0800629922
Course requirements

1. Active class participation and preparedness. (25%)

Regular attendance, constructive participation in class discussions, active listening.
Read the assigned biblical texts and be prepared for class discussions by completing the
assigned exercises for the day; in addition, identify any other passages that are confusing,
provocative, require more background knowledge, would be challenging to preach, are good
examples of points made in the secondary reading, etc.
Read secondary reading assignments and be prepared to participate in discussions – bringing
two to three questions, discussion starters, comments.

2. Exegetical exercises (25%)

The exercises are drawn from Gorman’s Elements of Biblical Exegesis and will be referred to in
the syllabus as “FFIPs” (pronounced “fips”; the acronym for exercises found at the end of the
chapters in the sections called “For Further Insight and Practice”) and PHints (pronounced
“fints,” referring to exercises found at the end of the chapters in the section called “Practical
Hints”). I know these little names are lame so, as this is a tentative syllabus, I’m oh, so open to
renaming these exercises if you come up with something better.

3. Take home exam (25%)

Given the last day of class, this exam is designed to be a means by which you can have a
structured review of the materials covered in the class. It’s where the fire hose gets turned off
and you get to drink more slowly, as if from an actual cup or glass, maybe even sip and savor. It
is akin to an open-book exam; you may have at hand any and all materials used throughout the
semester. You may consult with each other and/or with me.
The exam will be due the last day of the semester – January 7, 2011

4. FFIPs, PHints, and a short exegetical paper on the passage of your choosing. (25%)
While FFIPs and PHints are assigned on particular days for gospel texts we are studying in class,
you will also complete them for a gospel passage of your own choosing that you will exegete
throughout the semester.
The first set of FFIPs and PHints, related to your selected passage, will be due October 19, after
the research week; the second set will be due sometime during reading week, December 14-20

The short exegetical paper will be due January 7. It should be somewhere in the
neighborhood of 1500 – 1750 words, following the model Gorman presents at the end of
Elements of Biblical Exegesis, pp. 247-252. Much of this paper will have been written
throughout the semester – at the end you will primarily be focusing on the synthesis and
theological reflection elements.
CLASS SCHEDULE AND PREPARATIONS

SEPTEMBER 7/9 Personal introductions, course introduction, review of syllabus, goals

Topics: seeing; reading texts; exegesis and interpretation; Jesus
Bible texts: The Gospel of Mark
Other reading:
Brown, Intro: Chapter 2, “How to Read the New Testament” (26)
Gorman, Exegesis: Chapter 1, “The Task” (24)
Chapter 2, “The Text” (24)

View: From Jesus to Christ, Part One, Chapters 1-5 (55 minutes)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/watch/

SEPTEMBER 14/16 Topics: the world of the Jesus and of the gospel writers; views of the historical
Jesus; Jewish Messianic expectation

Bible texts: reread The Gospel of Mark 1-5

FFIPs and PHints: Gorman, Exegesis p. 67
PHint 1 – Mark 1
FFIP 1 – Mark 1:16-20
Mark 2:23-28
Mark 3:20-30
Other reading:
Brown, Intro: Chapter 4, “Political and Social World” (21)
Chapter 5, “Religious and Philosophical World” (19)

Gorman, Exegesis: Chapter 3, “Survey/First Element” (5)

Powell, JAFIH: Chapters 1-3 (53)

View: From Jesus to Christ, Part One, Chapters 6-11 (50 minutes)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/watch/
SEPTEMBER 21/23 Topics: world of Jesus and gospel writers (continued); overview of the four
Gospels; exploring the metaphor of portraits/snapshots of Jesus

Bible texts: Mark 1-3

FFIPs and PHints: Gorman, Exegesis p. 80

FFIP 2 and PHints 1 and 2 – working with Mark 3:1-6

Other reading:
Powell, Gospels: Introduction and Chapters 1-4 (110/easy)
Brown, Intro: xxxiii-xlv “Useful Information,” maps/charts
Chapter 1 “Nature and Origin of NT” (12)

Gorman, Exegesis: Chapter 4, “ Contextual Analysis/Element 2” (11)

View: From Jesus to Christ, Part Two, Chapters 1-6 (45 minutes)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/watch/

SEPTEMBER 28/30 Topics: formation of the gospels; the synoptic problem; form analysis; the
Gospel of Mark; “the reign of God”

Bible texts: Mark 6, 7, and 10

FFIPs and PHints: Gorman, Exegesis p. 100, 99

FFIP 3 – Mark 6:30-56
Mark 7:1-23
PHint 3 – Mark 10:46-52

Other reading:
Brown, Intro: Chapter 6, “Gospels in Gen.; Synoptics in Particular” (23)
Chapter 7, “The Gospel According to Mark” (41)

Gorman, Exegesis: Chapter 5, “Formal Analysis/Element 3” (17)

OCTOBER 5/7 Topics: Mark’s passion and resurrection narratives; introduction to the Gospel of
Matthew; more work on forms – extending Gorman’s chapter on formal analysis

Bible texts: Mark 11-16; Matthew 3, 4 and 8-12

FFIPs and PHints: Gorman, Exegesis p. 100, 99

FFIP 3 – Matthew 8:18-34
PHint 3 – Matthew 12:46-50

Other reading:
Allen, Reading the Synoptic Gospels
Chapter 4 “Form and Function” (14/easy)
Excursus, “Conventional Forms” (6/easy)

Bailey and Vander Broeck, Literary Forms

selected pages between 98 and 161

Brown, Intro: Chapter 8, “The Gospel According to Matthew” (51)

Reread/review Gorman, Exegesis: Chapter 5, “Formal Analysis”

OCTOBER 12/14 RESEARCH WEEK

ASSIGNMENTS: FFIPS and PHints on selected texts from Matthew (TBA)
FFIPS and PHints on Gospel passage of your choosing
Read any two chapters in JAFIH (from 4-9); choosing whatever
two historians most interest you; also chapter 10

OCTOBER 19/21 Topics: the Gospel of Matthew; review of exegetical elements and processes
covered to date with Matthew passages assigned over research week; discussion
of JAFIH chapters

Bible texts: Matthew 13-25

FFIPS and PHints: on selected texts from Matthew
Other reading: any two chapters in JAFIH (from 4-9); chapter 10
DUE: ASSIGNED PHINTS AND FFIPS ON YOUR SELECTED PASSAGE
OCTOBER 26/28 Topics: The Gospel of Luke
Bible texts: Luke 3-21

FFIPs and PHints: Gorman, Exegesis p. 124-25

PHint 1 – Luke 4:16-30
FFIP 1, 4, and 5 – Luke 4:16-30

Other reading:
Brown, Intro: Chapter 9, The Gospel According to Luke (50)
Gorman, Exegesis: Chapter 6 “Detailed Analysis/Element 4” (24)

NOVEMBER 2/4 Topics: the infancy narratives in Matthew and Luke; genealogies in Matthew and
Luke; the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew) and Sermon on the Plain (Luke); the
Lord’s Prayer in Matthew and in Luke

Bible texts: Luke 1, 2, 3:23-38; Matthew 1, 2

Luke 6:12-49; Matthew 5:1- 7:29
(also read these in synopsis with other gospels, please)

FFIPs and PHints: Gorman, Exegesis p. 124-25

FFIP 3 – Luke 2:1-21
FFIP 1 – Matthew 6:5-15 OR Luke 11:1-4 (need commentaries)
FFIP 4 – Luke 7:36-50
FFIP 5 – Luke 14:7-24
PHint 1 – Luke 16:19-31

Other reading:
Bailey and Vander Broeck, Literary Forms
“Stories about Jesus,” pp. 147-51
“Genealogies,” 183-87
Reread Brown, Intro: Chapters 8 and 9, topic-related sections
Reread/review Gorman, Exegesis: Chapter 6 “Detailed Analysis”
NOVEMBER 9/11 Topics: parables in the Synoptic Gospels
Bible texts: parables in the Synoptic Gospels; read in Aland’s Synopsis

Other reading:
Something on parables: TBA
Reread Brown, Intro: Chapters 7, 8, and 9, sections on parables
(note: chapter 7 takes you back to Mark’s gospel)
Bailey and Vander Broeck, Literary Forms
“Parables,” pp. 105-112

NOVEMBER 16/18 Topics: Passion and Resurrection Narratives in Matthew and Luke
Bible texts: Matthew 26-26; Luke 22-24 (also look at these in synopsis with the
other gospels, please)

FFIPs and PHints: Gorman, Exegesis p. 124-25

PHints 1 and 2; FFIPs 1-5 – do all activities on a passage you select
from either Matthew’s or Luke’s passion/resurrection narratives

Other reading:
Bailey and Vander Broeck, Literary Forms
“Stories about Jesus,” pp. 151-54

Reread Brown, Intro: Chapters 8 and 9, sections on passion/resurrection

NOVEMBER 23/25 THANKSGIVING BREAK (Read Shadow of the Galilean!)

NOVEMBER 3O/ Topics: discussion of The Shadow of the Galilean; introduction to the
DECEMBER 2 Gospel of John

Bible texts: John 1-4

FFIPs and PHints: Gorman, Exegesis p. 99, 100, 125

pp. 99 PHint 3 – John 1:1-18
pp. 124-25 PHints 1 and 2 – John 2:1-12
pp. 125 FFIP 3 – John 3:1-15
FFIP 4 and 5 – John 4:1-30

Other reading:
Powell, Gospels: Chapter 5, “The Gospel of John” (25)

DECEMBER 7/9 Topics: Gospel of John; theological interpretation

Bible texts: John 18-20 passion and resurrection narratives

(also read this in synopsis with other gospels, please)

Other reading:
Gorman, Exegsis: Chapter 8, “Reflection: Theological Interpretation”
(26)

DECEMBER 14/16 READING WEEK

Gorman, Exegesis
Chapter 7: “Synthesis/Element 5”
Chapter 9: “Expansion and Refinement/Element 7”

DUE: sometime this week, the second set of PHints and FFIPs for your selected
passage

JANUARY 7, 2011 DUE: 1. Take-home exam

2. Short exegetical paper