Greek Exegesis: Romans
Course code: GREK 603

Course Description

Greek Exegesis: Romans consists of translation of and exegetical analysis in Greek of the epistle to the Romans, with special attention to how syntactical structures contribute to semantic analysis.

Intended Outcomes

By the end of the course, you should know…

• The contents and syntactical characteristics of Paul’s letter to the Romans.
• The components and uses of a standard critical Greek NT apparatus.
• The range of scholarly opinion on a selected text, including its textual critical, exegetical, and pragmatic dimensions.

As a result of taking this course you should appreciate…

• Structural diagramming as a means to sharpen one’s understanding of an author’s argument in epistolary literature.
• The role of the various elements of NT exegesis.

At the end of this course you should be able to…

• Write an exegetical paper that demonstrates familiarity with the whole range of exegetical skills.
• Show evidence of advanced skill in analyzing the case, tense, participle, infinitive, and article uses of Koine Greek.

Assignment Overview

Students will translate and analyze the Greek text of Romans.

Using the skills learned in class, the students will demonstrate through two exegetical papers their ability to (1) translate passages from Greek, (2) evaluate textual evidence and argue for the most likely meaning in the presence of textual variants, and (3) make the interpretive journey from Koine Greek text to modern-day application.

Students will choose one of three tracks for focus assignments. Examples of focus assignments include…

• Scholarship – Write a one-page informal (bullet points or outline is acceptable) response to Dan Wallace’s perspective on Rom. 3:23, specifically his claim that the present tense of ὑστεροῦνται indicates that the believer continues to sin.
• Ministry – Prepare a one-page essay or 8-10 slides (PowerPoint or similar) presenting what Rom. 3:21-31 teaches about justification.
• Personal development – Post a 400-word blog about justification based on Rom. 3:21-31. Include your perspective on the “faith in Christ”/“Christ’s faith” debate.