sylla3

Rel 322-01

Topics in Biblical Literature: Luke/Acts

9:30-10:45 TTh

A230 Creative Arts Center

Instructor: Dr. Robert B. Smith

The gospels represent the early church's memory of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Of the four, only Luke-Acts attempts to bridge the cultural gap between the Near Eastern world of Jesus and a Pauline formulation which interacted with western ideas and values. This course will examine social, political, and cultural realities which under-gird the Gospel of Luke with a focus on the parables as peasant teaching. The second part of the course will follow Luke's account of the emergence of Paul as an influential interpreter of the Christian proclamation.

Course Objectives:

to gain familiarity with cultural/historical influences within Luke-Acts which affect its interpretation
to distinguish Luke’s theological purposes in relation to other New Testament writers
to recognize various presuppositions which shape modern biblical hermeneutics

Instructor:
Dr. Robert B. Smith,

370 Millet Hall

Phone : (937) 775-2274.

The best way to contact me is by e-mail: robert.b.smith@wright.edu. This syllabus is available on my faculty web page: www.wright.edu/~robert.b.smith Office hours by appointment.

Class attendance:
Only exceptional circumstances would justify missing class, and arrangements would need to be made ahead of time. Students must come prepared to participate in class having completed the relevant readings which are listed in the syllabus on the day of the class discussion.
Required Textbook:
Raymond E. Brown's An Introduction to the New Testament. Students will also need a study Bible. The New Revised Standard Version is recommended. Additional references are included as a bibliography to this syllabus.
Reading Assignments:
The first five chapters of Raymond Brown’s book are assigned in the syllabus. Though page references are not listed in the syllabus, Brown’s commentary on biblical texts is also required reading.
Grades
will be determined on the basis of two examinations, a term paper, and a final exam. Each will account for 25% of the final grade.
Term papers:
A short research paper (4-6 pages) is a requirement for the course. Topics are listed in this syllabus, or students may present their own topic with the approval of Dr. Smith. In general, topics are comparisons between texts in Luke-Acts and other parallel texts, the theological and literary themes of Luke’s writing, or word studies.
April

1 T Background: The history of the formation of the canon and views on scriptural authority as hermeneutical and theological issues (Brown, Chapters1, 2, and 3)

3 Th The historical setting of Luke/Acts, authorship traditions, and the relationship to Pauline theology Luke/Acts constitutes a quarter of the New Testament writings. Who wrote the book and how does the author’s point of view position the Christian message to a Gentile world? (Brown, Chapters 4 and 5)

8 T Luke 1:5-2:52: The World Turned Upside-Down: the annunciation and birth narratives

10 Th Luke 3: John the Baptizer and Messianic expectations

15 T FIRST EXAM

Luke 4: Temptation and Wilderness: ancient motifs as prelude to public ministry

17 Th Luke 5-9: Controversies, the creation of community, and defining the margins

22 T Luke 5-9: (continued)

24 Th Luke 9:51-19: Journey to Jerusalem: Parables in the Lucan Travel Narrative

29 T Luke 9:51-19: (continued)

May

1 Th Luke 9:51-19: (continued)

6 T Luke 19-24: Confrontation: Temple to Tomb

8 Th Luke 19-24: (continued)

13 T SECOND EXAM

On the Edge of the West: An Introduction to The Acts of the Apostles

15 Th Acts 1-5: Kerygma, the proclamation of a new age new age

(cf. I Corinthians 15:3-8)

20 T Acts 1-5: (continued)

22 Th Acts 6-15: Redefinition of community

27 T Acts 6-15: Redefinition of community

29 Th Acts 16-28: The Mission to Europe

June

3 T Acts 16-28: (continued)

5 Th Reflection and Review

Exam
- June 10, 8:00 -10:00 a.m.