B9260A Pauline Literature and Theology

⇒ Back Course Disciplines

This course unit aims to build on the basic knowledge and skills of the foundational Biblical Studies unit, focusing on New Testament literature associated with Paul, with special attention to their literary forms, theological content and historical, cultural and religious setting.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Articulate a cohesive knowledge of the various social, cultural and pastoral contexts of each of Paul’s letters.
2. Provide a cogent understanding of the key Pauline theological concepts
3. Evaluate critically a range of recent secondary literature resources related to the study of Pauline literature.
4. Produce a scholarly exercise in the exegesis of selected passages from the Pauline letters
5. Apply a critical appreciation of Pauline literature to a range of life and ministry situations.

Weekly Topics

1. Introduction to course unit; Review of Paul’s life, conversion, missionary journeys; structure of letters; example: The Letter to Philemon.
2. Acts and Paul’s letters; 1 Thessalonians: literary outline; relationship with 2 August Paul; theological concerns.
3. Philippians: Acts 16:11-40; Letter: literary outline; relationship with Paul; theological concerns.
4. Corinth and the Corinthians; Acts 18:1-18; structure, overview of 1 Corinthians.
5. 1 Corinthians, reading of letter; exegetical approach to the letters of Paul.
6. 2 Corinthians: context; link 1 Corinthians; literary and theological aspects.
7. Letter to “the churches of Galatia”; the problem Paul is addressing; Galatians: tone, structure; close study of key passages.
8. Romans: the historical context, structure of the letter; close study of key passages.
9. Romans: key theological concerns; the ‘new perspective’; DVD: Paul and the Law.
10. Deutero-Pauline letters: 2 Thessalonians; Colossians; Colossae: archeological case study.
11. Ephesians: background; purpose; outline; literary links with Colossians; theology.
12. Pastoral letters: Titus, 1 and 2 Timothy; application to preaching; Patristics on Pauline literature.