The Gospel of Matthew: Challenge and Mission (BN3120C)

Content

This unit investigates the uniqueness of the Gospel of Matthew among the Synoptic Gospels and grapples with key issues in recent scholarship including the Jewishness of the text as well as the tensions in social relations in the Gospel due to disproportionate power distribution. Students will engage the Gospel according to Matthew with regard to its literary, social, religious, cultural, political and historical context, investigate the distinctive Matthean content and gospel structure, and reflect theologically on the challenge for and mission of the Church in today's world.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Two Biblical Studies units at second level, where at least one is in New Testament

Pedagogy

This unit is offered in two modes. Each three-hour class comprises:

*1) 2-hour face-to-face lecture in class (1.5 hours of interactive plus 0.5 hour of structured group discussion and interpretation focused on a particular text and readings) PLUS 1-hour asynchronous online Context Activity Forum and preparation for Focus Text discussion.

*2) 2-hour synchronous online class (1.5 hours of interactive lecture plus 0.5 hour of structured group discussion and interpretation focused on a particular text and readings) PLUS 1-hour asynchronous online Context Activity Forum and preparation for Focus Text discussion.

These are regularly scheduled in the same semester with the face-to-face option offered in the day and the synchronous online in the evening.

Indicative Bibliography

• Aune, David E. ed. The Gospel of Matthew in Current Study: Studies in Memory of William G. Thompson SJ. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001.
• Brown, Jeannine K.. Matthew. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2015. Ebook.
• Byrne, Brendan. Lifting the Burden: Reading Matthew’s Gospel in the Church Today. Strathfield: St Pauls, 2004.
• Davies, William D., and Dale C. Allison. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel According to Saint Matthew. 3 vols. International Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1988–1997.
• Evans, Craig A. Matthew. New Cambridge Bible Commentary. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2012. Ebook.
• Harrington, Daniel J. The Gospel of Matthew. Sacra Pagina 1. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1991.
• Luz, Ulrich. Studies in Matthew. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005.
• Riches, John, and David C. Sim, eds. The Gospel of Matthew in Its Roman Imperial Context. Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement Series 276. London: T&T Clark, 2005.
• Reid, Barbara E. The Gospel According to Matthew. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2005.
• Wainwright, Elaine M. Matthew: An Introduction and Study Guide: The Basileia of the Heavens is Near at Hand. London: T&T Clark, 2017.

Assessment