Content

This unit introduces students to exegetical methods in studying the Synoptic Gospels. Students engage with central issues in Gospel studies—including the history of the gospel tradition, source analysis, provenance, literary design and distinctive theologies—through a critical study of Matthew and Mark. Students also learn about the broader cultural and sociological contexts of gospel texts. Contemporary missional and pastoral implications are also explored.

Unit code: BN3001L

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Interpret biblical texts using critical methodologies

2.

Identify the setting and key features of each gospel, including the significance of historical, cultural, social and religious contexts

3.

Describe the narrative dynamic of gospel texts and the portrait of Jesus and the disciples they offer

4.

Research, document and write an exegetical essay on a gospel text, using primary and secondary sources

5.

Integrate critical study of the gospels within their overall theological understanding

6.

Explore contemporary missional and preaching implications of gospel texts.

Pedagogy

Coursework, lectures, tutorials, discussions

Indicative Bibliography

  • Aland, Kurt. 1996/2001. Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum – Greek. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft. (recommended for purchase) OR
  • Aland, Kurt. 1987. Synopsis of the four gospels. Greek-English edition. 8th corrected ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft. (recommended for purchase)

  • Aland, Barbara, and Kurt Aland, eds. 2001. The Greek New Testament with dictionary. 4th rev. ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft.

  • Brown, Raymond E. 1993. The birth of the Messiah: a commentary on the infancy narratives in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. New updated edition. New York, NY: Doubleday.

  • Bultmann, Rudolf. 1972. History of the synoptic tradition. Tr. John Marsh. Rev. ed. Oxford: Basil Blackwell.

  • Carter, Warren. 2004. Matthew: storyteller, interpreter, evangelist. Rev. ed. Ada, MI: Baker Books.

  • Gerhardsson, Birger. 1979. The origins of the gospel traditions. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press.

  • Dungan, David L. 1999. A history of the synoptic problem: the canon, the text, the composition, and the interpretation of the Gospels. New York, NY: Doubleday.

  • Evans, Craig, and Stanley Porter, eds. 1995. The Synoptic Gospels: a Sheffield reader. Sheffield, UK: Sheffield Academic Press.

  • Green, Joel. 2010. Hearing the New Testament: strategies for interpretation. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

  • Moloney, Francis J. 2004. Mark: storyteller, interpreter, evangelist. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.

  • Nickle, Keith F. 2001. The Synoptic Gospels: an introduction. 2nd rev. and expanded ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press.

  • Powell, Mark. 1998. Fortress introduction to the gospels. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress.

  • Rhoads, David, Joanna Dewey, and Donald Michie. 1999. Mark as story: an introduction to the narrative of a gospel. 3rd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

  • Sanders, E.P., and Margaret Davies. 1989. Studying the synoptic Gospels. London: SCM Press.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Exegetical Essay

An exegetical paper on a selected pericope from Mark 3000 words

0 60.0
Exegetical Essay

Exegetical essay comparing Matthew with Mark 1200 words

0 25.0
Essay

Greek translation or other appropriate assignment 800 words equivalent

0 15.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2019-10-14 15:17:44 +1100