ASSEMBLIES OF GOD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARYBNT 533 STUDIES IN THE PAULINE LETTERS: 2 CORINTHIANSJames D. Hernando, Ph. D. Fall, 2001COURSE SYLLABUSCOURSE DESCRIPTION:An exegetical and doctrinal study of 2 Corinthians, in particular those passages that serve to revealPaul's understanding of the Gospel, his apostolic calling and ministry, and the criteria for judgingtrue apostleship. Special emphasis will be given to the distinctive theological contribution of thisepistle as well as its practical value in addressing and providing guidance for thePentecostal/Charismatic church today.COURSE OBJECTIVES:At the successful completion of this course the student should be able to:Cognitive:1. Discuss the cultural, historical background of the city of Corinth and how it is reflected in someof the accusations made by Paul's opponents at Corinth.2. Outline briefly a historical reconstruction of Paul's visits to Corinth and the various exchanges ofletters.3. Identify and discuss the various critical issues related to this letter and suggest some plausiblesolutions to the problems raised.4. Describe the criteria/tests Paul would use to judge an authentic "apostolic" ministry or a "trueapostle".5. Explain the role the Holy Spirit plays in Paul's understanding of the New Covenant Charismatictheology.Skills:1. Investigate a particular pragmatic or theological concern in this Pauline letter, define the contentand nature of the problem using both the internal evidence of the letter and relevant cultural-historical evidence.2. Read a New Testament epistle as a literary whole, being aware of the issues and concerns ofgenre and its impact on interpretation.3. Read and analyze a NT pericope, by constructing an exegetical outline (in English) whichconsiders both the immediate literary context and its relationship to the NT letter as a whole.4. Isolate and identify the moral-ethical and theological truths expressed in this Pauline letter andmove to a relevant and legitimate application of such in the life of the present-day Church.Attitudes:1. Appreciate the historical-cultural nature of all the New Testament writings and how examinationof their life-setting serves and aids the task of interpretation.2. Appreciate more fully the complementary nature of apostolic kerygma and apostolic presence --i.e., the demonstration of Gospel along with its proclamation.TEXTBOOKS:Required:Hernando, James D. 2 Corinthians. In the Full Life Bible Commentary to the New Testament. Edited by F. L. Arrington and Roger Stronstad.deSilva, David A. The Credentials of an Apostle: Paul's Gospel in 2 Corinthians 1-7. N. Richland Hills, TX: Bibal Press, 1998.Recommended:arris, Murray J. 2 Corinthians. Vol. 10 in The Expositor's Bible Commentary. Edited by Frank E.Gaebelein. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976.awthorne, Gerald F. and Ralph P. Martin, ed.s. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. Downers Grove:InterVarsity Press, 1993.COURSE OUTLINEI. ProlegomenaA. Historical SettingB. Sitz im LebenII. The Opponents of Paul: Identity and CharacterA. Exposition of key passagesB. Relevance for the ChurchIII. The Challenge to Paul's ApostleshipA. Exposition of key passagesB. Relevance for the ChurchIV. The Challenge to Paul's GospelA. Exposition of key passagesB. Relevance for the ChurchV. The Defense and Vindication of PaulA. Exposition of key passagesB. Relevance for the ChurchMETHODOLOGYThis course will seek to meet its objectives through class lectures and discussion,independent research and writing.COURSE REQUIREMENTS1. Daily attendance - excessive absenteeism is defined by the AGTS catalogue.(Note: Students are expected whenever possible to notify the instructor of a plannedabsence. When absent the student is responsible for finding out the assignment for thenext class and to come prepared for the next class.)2. Reading Required: a. The entire section of 2 Corinthians commentary in the Full Life BibleCommentary of the New Testament.b. The monograph The Credentials of an Apostle by David deSilvaSuggested Reading (for background and context) - I suggest the following articles in TheDictionary of Paul and His Letters (a copy will be placed on reserve in the library)a. Collection for the Saintsb. Corinthians, Letters toc. Coworkers, Paul and Hisd. Cross, Theology of thee. Financial Supportf. Jesus and Paulg. Jew, Paul theh. Law - esp. sect. 3 - "The Jewish Law in the Context of Paul's Letters"i. Opponents of Paulj. Preaching From Paul Today3. Write a 5-8 page critical book review on deSilva's book (See handout on how to writea critical book review). 4. Mid-term (essay exam) over the background and introductory issues to 2 Corinthians5. Research Project: Choose ONEOption #1 - Term Papera. Reflecting on the teaching of Paul in 2 Corinthians, write a 10-12 page researchpaper on one of the following topics:a. The Spirit and the New Covenantb. The Hope, Promise and Significance of the Resurrection for the Christianc. The Significance of Christ's Death/Crucifixiond. The Eschatology of 2 Corinthianse. Paul's Collection for the Poor and Benevolence Ministryf. The Role of Trial and Suffering in the Life of Paulg. Paul's View of Satan's Work/ Influence in 2 CorinthiansOption #2 - Oral Debate (written notes and bibliographies to be turned in). Two studentspair off and after reseach debate one another over ONE of the following topics. Theirarguments should show substantial study and reflection on the material contained in 2Corinthians.a. The Legitimacy of Paul's Apostleshipb. Are There Apostles in the Church Today?5. Final (essay) Exam - background and or interpretive issuesGRADING PROCEDURE1. Grade Weights:Required Reading 10%Critical Book Review 15%Mid-term Exam 25%Research Project 25%Final Exam 25% 100%2. The total number of possible points to be earned for the course is 1000. Point totals atthe end of the course are tabulated and a grading curve plotted relative to the collectivegrade profile of the class.NOTE: Written projects and papers that are turned in late will be penalized onegrade movement (e.g., A to an A-) for each day late.SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHYBaird, William. 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1980.Barnett, Paul. William. The Message of 2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness. Leicester, England;Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988.Barrett, C. K. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers,1993.Belleville, Linda L. 2 Corinthians. Downers Grove, IL: