Interpreting the New Testament (BN1001W)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit introduces you to the texts of the New Testament and their interpretation, with a particular focus on the Synoptic Gospels. You will learn about the processes through which the New Testament writings came into being, the social and cultural worlds to which they belong, the sources, traditions, and genres that they contain, and the diverse theological perspectives that they reflect. Each lesson of the unit will introduce you to exegetical skills and methodologies that will equip you for ongoing critical and faithful study and interpretation of the New Testament texts.

Unit code: BN1001W

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: New Testament

Proposing College: Whitley College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Discuss the content, genres, and theological perspectives of New Testament documents and the historical processes through which the New Testament emerged.
2.

Describe a range of interpretative approaches to studying New Testament texts.
3.

Demonstrate a broad understanding of the social and cultural worlds to which the New Testament texts belong.
4.

Display initial exegetical skills through analysis of a selected New Testament text and consideration of its theological and contextual significance for discipleship, mission, and ministry.

Unit sequence

None.

Pedagogy

The unit is based on weekly inductive exegetical workshops that introduce a range of interpretative methods and exegetical skills. Learning from workshop preparation will be consolidated and developed through lecture content and provision of additional study materials.

Indicative Bibliography

Students are not expected to purchase any books other than a good study Bible (NRSV or NRSVue) if they do not already have one. Recommended: Cambridge NRSV Reference Edition

  • Alkier, Stefan, David M. Moffitt. New Testament Basics: A Guide for Reading and Interpreting the Text. Fortress, 2021.
  • Brown, Jeannine K. Scripture as Communication: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics. 2nd edition. Baker Academic, 2021.
  • Burge, Gary M., Lynn Cohick and Gene L. Green. The New Testament in Antiquity. Zondervan, 2009.
  • DeSilva, David Arthur. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods & Ministry Formation. 2nd edition. IVP, 2018.
  • Gorman, Michael J. Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul and His Letters. 2nd edition. Eerdmans, 2017.
  • McCaulley, Esau, Janette H. Ok, Amy L. B. Peeler et al, eds. The New Testament in Color : A Multiethnic Bible Commentary. IVP Academic, 2024.
  • Patte, Daniel and Teresa Okure, eds. Global Bible Commentary. Abingdon, 2004.
  • Green, Joel B., Jeannine K. Brown, Nicholas Perrin, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. 2nd edition. IVP, 2013.
  • Thomaskutty, Johnson. An Asian Introduction to the New Testament. Fortress, 2021.
  • Wenham, David. Exploring the New Testament, Volume 1: A Guide to the Gospels and Acts. SPCK, 2021.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Document Study - Exegetical Workshop Paper 1000 25.0
Document Study - Exegetical Workshop Paper 1000 25.0
Exegetical Essay 2000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 19 Sep, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-09-19 14:47:44 +1000