Content

This unit introduces students to the Synoptic Gospels and Acts, exploring their historical, literary, and theological contexts. Students develop exegetical skills through engagement with Gospel narratives and speeches in Acts, using historical-critical and literary methods.

Unit code: BN2002Z

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: St Francis College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the historical and literary features of the Synoptic Gospels and Acts.

2.

Analyse selected New Testament texts using historical-critical and literary methods.

3.

Interpret theological themes in Gospel narratives and speeches in Acts.

Unit sequence

This unit requires students to complete two Undergraduate Foundation level units in Biblical Studies.

Pedagogy

Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and text-based tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

Ahearne-Kroll, Stephen P., ed. The Oxford Handbook of the Synoptic Gospels. Oxford University Press, 2023.

Brown, Jeannine K. The Gospel as Stories: A Narrative Approach to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Baker Academic, 2020.

Kim, Yung Suk. How to Read the Gospels: An Introduction. Rowman & Littlefield, 2024.

Levine, Amy-Jill, and Ben Witherington. The Gospel of Luke. New Cambridge Bible Commentary. Cambridge University Press, 2018.

Loader, William. Following Mark: A Commentary for People on the Road. Cascade Books, 2024.

Marsh, Clive, and Steve Moyise. Jesus and the Gospels. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020.

Myers, Alicia D. An Introduction to the Gospels and Acts. Oxford University Press, 2022.

Parsons, Mikeal C. Acts. Paideia Commentary. Baker Academic, 2008.

Powell, Mark Allan. Matthew. Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Westminster John Knox Press, 2023.

Wenham, David, and Steve Walton. Exploring the New Testament, Volume One: A Guide to the Gospels and Acts. 3rd rev. and exp. ed. SPCK, 2021.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio 0 100.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 15 Apr, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-04-15 10:14:10 +1000