SUBJECT DESCRIPTION

a) An analysis of critical issues pertaining to the study of the synoptic Gospels in general, and the Gospel of Luke in particular.

b) Theological themes/ issues arising from Luke’s Gospel
- bibliography and notes provided for each topic
- further reading as required

c) Exegesis of selected passages from Luke’s Gospel (see schedule below)
- some notes provided
- students encouraged to do their own exegetical work

d) The historical Jesus
- who was Jesus and what did he think he was doing?
- assessing late 20^th century portrayals (the Third Quest) of the
Historical Jesus

SUBJECT CONTENT

Lesson 1
Gospel Genre
Source Criticism
Form Criticism

Lesson 2
Redaction Criticism
Literary Criticism
Social-Scientific Criticism

Lesson 3
The Gospel of Luke: Introductory Matters
The Role of the Infancy Narratives
Exegesis: Luke 14

Lesson 4
The Poor and the Marginalised
Exegesis: Luke 15

Lesson 5
Wealth and Possessions
Exegesis: Luke 16:1-13

Lesson 6
Conflict and Rejection in Luke
Exegesis: Luke 16:14-31

Lesson 7
Salvation in Luke
Exegesis: Luke 17

Lesson 8
Salvation History and Promise-Fulfilment
Exegesis: Luke 18:1-30

Lesson 9
Reversal
Exegesis: Luke 18:31-19:28

Lesson 10
Purpose of Luke
Exegesis: Luke 19:29-48

Lesson 11
The Relationship between History and Faith
Exegesis: Luke 20:1-26

Lesson 12
The Third Quest for the Historical Jesus
Exegesis: Luke 20:27-21:4

Lesson 13
Jesus' Self Understanding
Exegesis: Luke 21:5-38

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the subject, students should:

1. Be able to use a variety of critical tools to interpret and apply the Synoptic Gospels
2. Have an understanding of the main emphases of Luke's Gospel and appreciate Luke's distinctive contribution
3. Be able to exegete selected portions of Luke, and have their exegetical skills enhanced in general
4. Be aware of the issues surrounding the historical Jesus debate and be able to enter into meaningful dialogue with those of different views

ASSESSMENT

B.Min / B.Th
Completion of Lesson Exercises 10%
Essay 40%
Exam 50%

Graduate Diploma / M.A. / M.Div
Completion of Lesson Exercises 10%
Essay 40%
Exam 50%

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Textbooks

The only required textbooks are:

K. Aland (ed.), Synopsis of the Four Gospels (Stuttgart: German Bible Society, 1989). There are other such tools, but Aland is the best. If you cannot get Aland, Throckmorton is OK.

A Commentary on Luke (either Bock or Nolland is preferable)

Highly recommended

S. McKnight, Interpreting the Synoptic Gospels (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1988)
- a very good overview of critical matters pertaining to Synoptic
study

J. Nolland, Luke. Word Biblical Commentary (3 vols.; Dallas: Word, 1989-93)
- a top notch commentary for both English and Greek exegesis

D. Bock, Luke. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the NT (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1994-96)
- equally as good as Nolland (hard to separate them!)

I. H. Marshall, Commentary on Luke. New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1978)
- packed with information, but the format is annoying and
cumbersome. Still a must for those doing Greek exegesis

I. H. Marshall, Luke - Historian and Theologian. Revised (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1989)
- Very good analysis of the major theological themes and a helpful
section on the relationship of history and faith

L. T. Johnson, The Real Jesus (San Francisco: Harper, 1996)
- good critique of the Jesus Seminar
- discusses the issue of history and faith, although conclusions are
flawed

Witherington, B. The Jesus Quest. (Illinios: IVP, 1995).
- Very good analysis of the major contributors to the Third Quest