Details for Romans Galatians and Pauls Narrative World

Have you ever wondered why Christians don’t follow the full Mosaic law? Have you ever asked what sets Christianity apart from Judaism? Paul’s letters to the Romans and Galatians answer these questions and more, and in many ways these letters reveal the heart of his theology. This unit will also synthesise Paul’s thought into a storyline of history that informs his pastoral and theological reflections. If you are interested in understanding the core gospel message and its relevance in our contemporary culture than this unit will scratch where you itch!

The unit Romans Galatians and Pauls Narrative World is part of the subject area Biblical Studies and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Bachelor of Applied Theology (Korean) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)), Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

An examination of Romans with the epistolary and rhetorical conventions that dictate its message. After the “New Perspective” is examined through Galatians, the unit then moves from the particularity of the letters to the generality of Pauline worldview, and the constraints posed by the epistolary mode itself.

Subject Content

1. Situating Galatians
2. The “New Perspective,” textual integrity and the rhetoric of Galatians
3.  Paul’s mission to Spain, the Jerusalem collection, Claudius’ expulsion and anti-Semitism in Rome: the reason for Romans
4. Examination of the rhetoric, content and theology of Galatians and Romans
5. Exegesis of selected passages
6. Implication for Paul’s Narrative World: Christology, the Torah and the future of Israel

This course may be offered in the following formats

Lectures, guided discussion, guided exegesis, web based/electronic interaction

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

Major Essay (50%, 2500 words); Forum Postings (20%; 2500 words); Exam (30%)

Prescribed Text

Moo, D.J. Romans. NICNT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996

Representative References

• Becker, J.C. Paul the Apostle. Minneaplois: Fortress, 1980.
• Byrne, B.Romans.SP6. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1996.
• Donfried, Karl P. (ed.). The Romans Debate. rev.ed. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1991.
• Dunn, J.D.G.Romans. 2 vols. Waco: Word, 1988.
• Fitzmyer, J.A.Romans. New York: Doubleday, 1992.
• Hays, R.B. The Faith of Jesus Christ. Grand Rapids:Eerdmans, 2001.
• Longenecker, R.N.Galatians. WBC 41. Waco: Word, 1990.
• Martyn, J.L. Galatians. ABD 33A. New York: Doubleday, 1998.
• Stowers, S.K. A Rereading of Romans: Justice, Jews, and Gentiles. New Haven: YUP, 1994.
• Westerholm, S. Israel’s Law and the Church’s Faith. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988