ASSEMBLIES OF GOD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARYBNT 533 Studies in the Letters of Paul:The Thessalonian CorrespondenceJames D. Hernando Summer Session I, 2005COURSE SYLLABUSCOURSE DESCRIPTIONAn exegetical study of the first and second letters of Paul to the Thessalonians. Emphasiswill be given to understanding the occasion of these two epistles, and their relationship toone another as an interpretive framework in which to understand their doctrinal andpractical teaching. The major issues of background and introduction will also besurveyed.OBJECTIVES At the successful completion of this course the student should be able to:Knowledge1. Identify the major introductory issues to each of the Thessalonian epistles aboutwhich there is considerable debate and discuss the major views.2. Locate these two epistles within the life and ministry of the apostle Paul anddiscuss why two letters were written to the same church containing instruction onthe same subject. Be able to reconstruct a plausible occasion for each letter.3. Discuss what the Thessalonians believed about the Parousia and the Day of theLord in each of the epistles. Further discuss what practical problems grew out oftheir understanding and how Paul corrected their misconceptions.4. Relate the main features and characteristics of Jewish apocalyticism. Discuss howthe contents of the Thessalonian epistles compare. 5. Define the role eschatology plays in Paul's understanding of salvation in Christ.Illustrate your answer with specifics taken from the Thessalonian correspondence.Skills1. Translate selected passages in the Thessalonian epistles without the use ofgrammatical or lexical aids and be able to discuss the grammar and syntaxcontained therein.2. Think critically about views challenging the Pauline authorship and authenticityof 2 Thessalonians and be able to provide an alternative way of viewing theinternal evidence being considered in the challenge.3. Use a syntactical/grammatical analysis of a passage to write an exegetical outlinewhich identifies the main topical/thematic content. Attitudes1. More fully appreciate the occasional nature of Paul's letters and the value ofseeking to reconstruct the Sitz im Leben as an interpretive framework in which toview the entire contents of a New Testament epistle.2. Realize more fully the complexity and difficulty of reconstructing the historicalsetting of a New Testament epistle from the fragmentary evidence therein.3. Appreciate the vital role the Parousia plays in the establishment of "Christianhope" and the importance that hope had for the first century church. TEXTBOOKS Required:Hawthorne, G. F. and Ralph P. Martin eds. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. DownersGrove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.Thomas, Robert L. 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians. Vol. 11 in The Expositor’sBible Commentary. ed. Frank E. Gaebelein. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1978. Recommended:Beale, G. K. 1-2 Thessalonians. Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2003.BASIC OUTLINE I. ProlegomenaA. Introductory IssuesB. Literary Analysis/Composition of the Book II. Textual Analysis and ExegesisA. TranslationB. Exegesis/ExpositionIII. Theological Analysis and Synthesis:METHODOLOGY In this source we will seek to meet our objectives through:1. Classroom lecture.2. Guided classroom discussion of issues related to assigned reading, lectures, andclass assignments.3. Individual reading, research, and writing.COURSE REQUIREMENTS1. Attendance at all class sessions is expected. Whenever possible, absences shouldbe announced beforehand to the professor. Excessive absenteeism is defined bythe AGTS catalog and will be dealt with accordingly.2. Completion of all reading assignments3. Prolegomena Reading Report 4. Bibliography Project (See handout)5. Research Project Paper – Options (See “BNT 533 Project Descriptions”)a. Theological Application Paper ORb. Thematic Exposition Paper ORc. Thematic Sermon Series6. Final Exam (essay) Note: Work turned in late without the prior permission of the professor will receive agrade reduction of 1/2 letter grade for every day late.GRADING PROCEDURE1. Grade Weightsa. Class readings 100pts 10%b. Class participation 50pts 5%c. Reading Report 150pts 15%d. Bibliography Project 200pts 20%e. Research Project Paper 300pts 30%f. Final Exam 200pts 20%TOTAL 1000pts 100%2. The total number of possible points to be earned in the semester is 1000. Pointtotals at the end of the semester are tabulated and a grading curve plotted relativeto the collective grade profile of the class.3. Note: Except in rare cases of extenuating circumstances, work turned in latewithout the prior permission of the professor will receive a grade reduction of 1/2letter grade for every day late.SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHYBeale, G. K. 1-2 Thessalonians. Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2003.Best, Ernest. A Commentary on the First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians.London: Adam & Charles Black, 1979.Bruce, F.F. 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Vol.45 in the Word Biblical Commentary. Edited byD.A. Hubbard, G.W. Barker et al. Waco, Texas: Word Books, 1982.Demarest, Gary W. 1, 2 Thessalonians, 1, 2, Timothy, Titus. Waco, Texas: Word Books,1984.Donfried, Karl P. Paul, Thessalonica, and Early Christianity. Grand Rapids: Wm. B.Eerdmans, 2002.Donfried, Karl P. and I. H. Marshall. The Theology of the Shorter Pauline Epistles.Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.Gaventa, Beverly Roberts. First and Second Thessalonians. Louisville: John Knox Press,1998.Green, Gene L. The Letters to the Thessalonians. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans,2002.Hendriksen, William. Exposition of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Grand Rapids: Baker BookHouse, 1955.Marshall, I. Howard. 1 and 2 Thessalonians. In The New Century Bible Commentary. ed.R. E. Clements and M. Black. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1983.Morris, Leon. The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians. In The NICNT series.ed. F. F. Bruce.Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1959.Thomas, Robert L. 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians. Vol. 11 in The Expositor’sBible Commentary. ed. Frank E. Gaebelein. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1978.Ward, Ronald A. Commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Waco, Texas: Word Books,1973.SPECIFIC DATA: Prepared by James D. Hernando, Ph. D. March 17,