The course gives you a basic introduction to exegetical methodology. You are going to interpret selected texts from Genesis (1:1-3:24; 11:27-12:9), Exodus (3:1-20; 19:1-20:21), Psalms (1; 8; 13; 48; 51; 73; 97; 137); Isaiah (1:1-31; 6:1-13; 11:1-16; 40:1-31; 52:13-53:12), Jeremiah (1:1-19; 7:1-15; 31:31-34), Acts (9:1-31; 13:1-21:16) and Galatians (1:1-6:18) according to their historical context, emphasising their literary and theological character.
Based on the selected Old Testament texts you will be introduced to different textual genres in the Old Testament and Old Testament theological themes like creation, election, covenant, judgment, restoration, Zion and theodicy.
In Acts, there will be an emphasis on the conversion and missionary work of Paul has its basis in the book and how it expanded in the early church.
Based on the texts from Galatians you will be introduced to some central Pauline themes like apostolate, gospel, the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, justification by faith, the law and the Christian life in light of Paul’s missionary work.
Teaching and Working Methods
Teaching amounts to 48 hours of classroom instruction (24 hours in the Old Testament and 24 hours in the New Testament) and is mainly given through lectures and/or seminars. The classroom experience aims to stimulate you to independent reflection.
Knowledge
The students have:
- knowledge of the basic principles for historical-critical, literary and canonical approaches to biblical texts.
- knowledge of selected Old Testament themes.
- knowledge of selected Pauline themes in Galatians, and in light of Paul’s missionary work.
Skills
The students can:
- use a basic exegetical procedure to write an exegesis on Biblical texts.
- interpret selected Biblical texts in English translation from different parts of the Bible and of different genres.
- find, evaluate and refer to information and academic material and present it in a manner that sheds light on an issue.
Attendance and Absence
To be eligible for final assessment you must:
- Attend a minimum of 70 % of the lectures (cf. chap. 5.5)
* Students who don’t complete the attendance requirement, must retake the course the next time it is offered.
* See the document “Attendance Regulations for Fjellhaug International University College” for more details.
All course requirements and exams are individual and are submitted digitally.
Course Requirements:
To receive final assessment, you must:
- Submit one paper where you use a basic exegetical procedure for writing an exegesis and write the introductory section for two Biblical texts, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. The required length of the paper is 1000 words.
- Submit one paper where you write a detailed exegesis on a selected text. The required length of the paper is 1000 words.
Deadline for submission is given at the start of the semester but notice that the requirements must be fulfilled not later than two weeks before the exam date.
Final Assessment:
| Form of assessment | Duration | Grading scale | Comment |
| Written Exam | 5 hours | A-F | Final assessment is based on the written exam. The course and written exam will be graded A-E for pass and F for fail. |
Some readings are available digitally on the school’s learning management system (LMS) and are marked with *.
Exegetical Method
Hayes, J. H. (2022). Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner’s Handbook. Westminster John Knox Press, pp. 1-32; 55-109; 209-220.
The Old Testament:
Broyles, C. G. (1999). Psalms (NIBC), pp. 1-43; 71-73; 85-87; 217-220; 226-230; 299-305; 378-380; 479-480. (70 pp.)
Bruckner, J. K. (2008). Exodus (NIBC). Hendrickson Publishers, pp. 1-15; 38-48; 170-196. (53 pp.)
Goldingay, J. (2001). Isaiah (NIBC). Hendrickson Publishers, pp. 1-41; 58-62; 83-88; 222-229; 301-309. (65 pp.)
Hartley, John E. (2000). Genesis (NIBC). Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, pp. 1-37; 39-57; 58-77; 107-113; 128-136; 169-176; 205-214. (107 pp.)
Longman III, T. (2008). Jeremiah, Lamentations (NIBC). Hendrickson Publishers, pp. 1-26; 71-73; 210-213. (34 pp.)
The New Testament:
Stott, John (1984). The Message of Galatians (Bible Speaks Today). Downers Grove: IVP Academic, pp. 11-191. (180 pp.)
Stott, John (1990). The Message of Acts: to the ends of the earth. Leicester: IVP, pp. 165-180; 215-333. (133 pp.)
