Interpreting and Teaching the Gospel of John
PRTH 584
Summary
Explore the Interpreting and Teaching the Gospel of John course and what to expect through the semester.
Course Overview
A study of the message of the Gospel of John within its historical, cultural, and literary contexts. This class will use an English translation of John.
Textbooks
- See the current booklist.
Professor: Dr. Stephen Smith
Intended Outcomes
Knowledge of
- a structural outline of John’s Gospel and its individual chapter content so you have acquaintance with the whole as well as the parts.
- the major interpretive issues that are important for interpreting the Gospel of John.
- the way John tells the story of Jesus and how his literary presentation of historical events communicates a theological message.
Appreciation for
- the rich theology that is found in the Fourth Gospel and the way that its message provides meaning and coherence for the lives of its readers/hearers.
- being motivated to align your life with the purpose for which John wrote his Gospel: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31, ESV).
Ability to
- have a good overview of the commentaries and other study resources available for the Gospel of John and be equipped to continue your lifelong study of this fascinating book.
- articulate how John’s Gospel is related to the rest of the biblical canon, especially the other books in the Johannine corpus (the Letters and the Apocalypse).
- use appropriate hermeneutical principles for interpreting each section of the book and explaining it to others.