Syllabus – NT821NA Gospel of Matthew

(Saturday Fast Track, Spring 2002)

Professor:  Dr. James F. McGrath

Links to class notes:

Class 1: Introduction to Matthew's Gospel

Class 2: Matthew Chapters 1-4

Class 3: Matthew Chapters 5-7: The Sermon on the Mount

Class 4: Matthew Chapters 5-7: The Sermon on the Mount (continued) [If you find that page difficult to view, click here]

Class 5: Matthew Chapters 5-7: The Sermon on the Mount (continued)

Class 6: Matthew Chapter 8 

Class 7: Matthew Chapter 9 

Class 8: Matthew Chapter 10-28 (a brief overview)

Course Subject and Content:

This course aims to strengthen and deepen the knowledge and skills in New Testament exegesis that students have already gained, and to provide students with additional skills and information that will help them to understand and interpret the Gospel of Matthew from both a literary and a historical perspective. Rather than attempt to cover as much of the Gospel as possible, albeit superficially, this course will provide (1) a broad overview of the most important themes and topics relating to the interpretation and theology of Matthew’s Gospel, and (2) a detailed study of the earliest chapters, in particular the birth narrative and the sermon on the mount. Although some knowledge of Greek is presupposed and matters of particular interest and difficulty in the Greek text will be dealt with, the textbooks have been chosen so as to be accessible to those without Greek as well.

Course Evaluation and Grade:

Students will be assessed and graded on the basis of the following criteria:

1)      In view of the intense character of the Saturday fast track, attendance is given great importance, and thus attendance and participation in classroom exercises and activities will count towards 15% of the final grade. Absence from or lateness to more than one class should be explained in writing to the professor.

2)      A term paper of not more than 8-10 pages giving an exegetical and theological analysis of a passage from Matthew. This will count for 45% of the final grade.

3)      A final take-home exam testing students’ knowledge acquired through independent reading and topics covered in the classroom. This exam will count for 40% of the final grade.

Textbooks:

France, Richard T., Mattheww: Evangelist and Teacher, Downers Grove: IVP, 1998 [second edition]

Garland, David E., Reading Matthew: A Literary and Theological Commentary on the First Gospel, New York: Crossroad, 1995.

Bibliography:

Allison, Dale C., The New MMoses: A Matthean Typology, Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.

Barton, Stephen C., The Spiirituality of the Gospels, London: SPCK, 1992.

Blomberg, Craig L., Mattheww (New American Commentary, 22), Nashville: Broadman, 1992.

Brown, Raymond E., The Birtth of the Messiah: A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives in Matthew and Luke (second edition), New York: Doubleday, 1993.

Carter, Warren, Matthew: Sttoryteller, Interpreter, Evangelist, Peabody: Hendrickson, 1996.

Davies, W. D., The Setting of the Sermon on the Mount, Atlanta: Scholars, 1989.

Davies, W. D. and Dale C. Alliison, Matthew (International Critical Commentary; two volumes), Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1988.

France, Richard T., Mattheww (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries), Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985.

Guelich, R. A., The Sermon on the Mount: A Foundation for Understanding, Waco: Word, 1982.

Gundry, Robert H., Matthew:: A Commentary on His Handbook for a Mixed Church under Persecution (second edition), Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994.

Hagner, Donald A., Matthew< (Word Biblical Commentary, 33; two volumes), Dallas: Word, 1993.

Harrington, Daniel J., The Gospel of Matthew (Sacra Pagina, 1), Collegeville: Michael Glazier (Liturgical Press), 1991.

Hill, David, The Gospel of Matthew (New Century Bible Commentary), Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972.

Keener, Craig S., Matthew (IVP New Testament Commentary), Downers Grove: IVP, 1997.