The Gospel of Matthew (BN9109T)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit provides an in-depth study of the Gospel of Matthew. The primary focus is on the narrative shape and the core theological themes which make this Gospel unique. Attention will be paid to Matthew’s use of his sources, including the Old Testament Scriptures. It will also explore the issue of authorship and examine the community out of which the Gospel arose. The unit will consider the ways in which this Gospel addresses issues that are of continuing relevance for the life and mission of the church.

Unit code: BN9109T

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Discuss, with exegetical support, the different theories of the narrative structure of the Gospel of Matthew.

2.

Demonstrate an awareness of the issues involved in the question of the background setting and socio-religious context of the Gospel of Matthew, particularly in the relationship between Matthew and the Matthean community and Judaism.
3.

Critically interpret key aspects of Matthew’s Gospel, including the question of authorship and Matthew’s relationship to the Gospel of Mark
4.

Provide a critically informed account of the core theological themes of the Gospel, including its Christology, its view of the church, its apocalyptic focus, its approach to the Law, and its emphasis on mission
5.

Explore the relevance of Matthew’s theological perspective to the context of the contemporary church today.

Unit sequence

30 points of NT study

Pedagogy

6 fortnightly sessions online. Each session consists of the teacher's multi-media lessons augmented by the set texts, online forums and tasks.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Allison, D.C. The New Moses: A Matthean Typology. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.
  • Boring, M. Eugene, ‘The Gospel of Matthew: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections’. In L. Keck (ed.), The New Interpreter’s Bible. Nashville: Abingdon, 1995), 8:87-505.
  • Byrne, B. Lifting the Burden. Reading Matthew’s Gospel in the Church Today. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2004.
  • Carter, W., Matthew and Empire: Initial Explorations. Harrisburg: Trinity Press International, 2001.
  • Davies, W.D. & Allison, D.C. The Gospel According to Saint Matthew. 3 vols.; ICC; Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1988-1997. (recommended for purchase)
  • France, R.T. The Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007. (recommended for purchase)
  • Hagner, D. Matthew. 2 vols; Dallas: Word Books, 1993, 1995. (recommended for purchase)
  • Levine, A.-J. with M. Blickenstaff (ed.), A Feminist Companion to Matthew. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 2001.
  • Keener, Craig S., A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids/Cambridge: Eerdmans, 1999.
  • Luz, U. Matthew: A Commentary. 3 vols.; Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1989, 2001-2007. (recommended for purchase)
  • Nolland, J. The Gospel of Matthew: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005.
  • Sim, D.C. The Gospel of Matthew in its Roman Imperial Context. London: T & T Clark, 2005
  • Talbert, C.H. Matthew. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2010.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Exegetical Essay

2,500 word exegetical essay

 0 40.0
Seminar or Tutorial

Tutorial exercise equivalent to 1,000 words

 0 20.0
Essay

2,500 word thematic essay

 0 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 30 Nov, 2015

Unit record last updated: 2021-10-04 17:13:38 +1100