This unit explores the uniqueness of the Gospel of Matthew within the Synoptic tradition of the Gospels. It examines the Jewish character and the social dynamics shaped by asymmetrical power structures in the first-century CE. Students will examine Matthew’s Gospel through various lenses—literary, social, religious, cultural, political, and historical—while analyzing its unique themes and composition. Theological reflection will also be encouraged, focusing on how the Gospel speaks to the Church’s mission and challenges in the modern world.
Unit code: BN3321Z
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3
Unit discipline: New Testament
Delivery Mode: Blended
Proposing College: St Barnabas College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Analyse the distinctiveness of the Gospel of Matthew in the Synoptic tradition. |
| 2. | Critically examine selected passages from the Gospel of Matthew through in-depth exegesis, employing suitable interpretive approaches. |
| 3. | Assess the significance of the literary, religious, political, cultural, historical and social context of the Gospel of Matthew. |
| 4. | Examine and articulate the current scholarly debates on interpretive issues in the Gospel of Matthew. |
| 5. | Reflect theologically on the central themes of the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting how they provide relevant insights for addressing their contemporary relevance for church life. |
BN1741Z Interpreting the New Testament, or equivalent.
Lectures, tutorials, and class discussion
• 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.
• Carter, Warren. Matthew and Empire: Initial Explorations. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International, 2001.
• 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.
• Harrington, Daniel J. The Gospel of Matthew. Sacra Pagina 1. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1991.
• Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009.
• Levine, Amy-Jill, and Marianne Blickenstaff, eds. A Feminist Companion to Matthew. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 2001.
• Luz, Ulrich. Studies in Matthew. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005.
• Reid, Barbara E. The Gospel According to Matthew. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2005.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar or Tutorial - 1,500-word tutorial/seminar presentation paper | 1500 | 25.0 | |
| Exegetical Essay - 2,500-word exegetical essay | 2500 | 55.0 | |
| Personal Reflection - Reflective presentation. A 1000-word reflection on the hermeneutical significance of the Gospel of Matthew for Church mission. | 1000 | 20.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 12 Nov, 2025
Unit record last updated: 2025-11-12 14:17:48 +1100