Introduction to the New Testament: Stories, Texts, Beliefs (BN8010P)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit provides an introduction to New Testament history, texts, and theology. Beginning with the letters of Paul as the earliest extant Christian literature and surveying the development of gospel literature as well as other forms of early Christian writing, it considers the rise of the early Christian movement and explores the range of developing theological beliefs that characterised the first two generations of early Christianity. In using the New Testament texts as the main source for investigation, the unit draws attention to the diversity of texts, genres, theologies and perspectives within the New Testament itself and considers a number of critical historical, literary and theological issues that emerge from the study of New Testament texts.

Unit code: BN8010P

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: New Testament

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Examine the complexities of the historical, cultural, religious, and theological world of the New Testament including the relationship between Judaism and hellenism
2.

Explain the different genres of New Testament literature and the forms of critical analysis appropriate to their interpretation
3.

Identify and analyse appropriate primary and secondary sources for scholarship
4.

Apply critical skills for exegesis, including relevant reference tools and resources

5.

Integrate theological themes in the analysis of New Testament texts

Unit sequence

Foundational

Pedagogy

lectures, group exercises, tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

  • NRSV Study Bible (New Oxford Annotated Bible or Harper Collins Study Bible) (recommended for purchase)
  • Bauckham, R., ed., The Gospels for All Christians: Rethinking the Gospel Audiences. Eerdmans, 1998.
  • Boring, M. Eugene. An Introduction to the New Testament: History, Literature, Theology. Westminster John Knox, 2012.
  • Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament AYBRL.. Doubleday, 1997.
  • Ehrman, B.D. The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, 4th ed. Oxford University Press, 2008.
  • Gaventa, Beverly. When in Romans : An Invitation to Linger with the Gospel According to Paul. Baker Academic, 2016.
  • Levine, Amy-Jill, The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus. Harper Collins, 2007.
  • Loader, W. The New Testament with Imagination. A Fresh Approach to its Writings and Themes. Eerdmans, 2007.
  • McCaulley, Esau et al. (eds). The New Testament in Color: Multiethnic Bible Commentary. IVP Academic, 2024.
  • Newsom, Carol et al. (eds). Women’s Bible Commentary. 3rd edition. Westminster John Knox, 2012.
  • Wright, N.T. Paul. Fresh Perspectives. SPCK, 2005.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Short Answer Responses

Write (and read aloud) a 300-word argument in the style of Paul in Galatians, then answer a series of further questions about Paul's writing style.

1500 25.0
Exegetical Essay

Exegesis of a gospel passage

 2500 35.0
Essay

Reflective essay drawing on set text/s

 2000 30.0
Multiple Choice Quizzes or Tests

One quiz per week over ten weeks

 500 10.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Naomi Wolfe on 17 Sep, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-09-17 16:34:49 +1000