This unit offers an advanced study of the New Testament letters as foundational texts for understanding early Christian theology and practice. Students will critically examine the historical, cultural, and rhetorical contexts of these letters, with particular attention to Pauline correspondence and its reception. The unit explores theological and ethical themes within the letters and the way in which they reflect developments in Christian identity and mission. Students will engage with contemporary scholarly debates and develop skills in advanced exegesis and contextual application for ministry and research.
Unit code: BN9032Z
Unit status: Approved (Major revision)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Elective
Unit discipline: New Testament
Proposing College: St Francis College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Analyse the historical, cultural, and rhetorical contexts of the New Testament letters. |
| 2. | Evaluate theological and ethical themes within the Pauline and other New Testament letters. |
| 3. | Interpret New Testament letters using advanced exegetical methods and scholarly resources |
| 4. | Apply insights from the New Testament letters to contemporary theological and ministerial contexts with critical awareness. |
The prerequisites for this unit are two foundational postgraduate units and at least one postgraduate elective.
Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and text-based tutorials
Gorman, Michael J. Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A theological introduction to Paul and his letters. Eerdmans, 2004.
Novenson, Mattthew, V. Paul and Judaism at the end of History. Cambridge University Press, 2024.
Sanders, E. P. Paul: The Apostle's Life, Letters, and Thought. Fortress Press, 2015.
Gaventa, Beverly Roberts. When in Romans: An Invitation to Linger with the Gospel. Baker Academic, 2016.
Brodie, Thomas L., Dennis R. MacDonald, and Stanley E. Porter. The intertextuality of the Epistles: explorations of theory and practice. Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2006.
Beavis, Mary Ann. The First Christian Slave: Onesimus in Context. Cascade Books, 2021.
Gooder, Paula. Phoebe: A Story; Pauline Christianity in Narrative Form. Hodder and Stoughton, 2018.
Dornish, Loretta. Paul and Third World Women Theologians. The Liturgical Press, 1999.
Levine, Amy-Jill with Blickenstaff, Marianne. A Feminist Companion to Paul. T and T Clark, 2004.
Bolt, Peter G. and Harrison, James R. (Eds). Romans and the Legacy of St Paul: Historical, Theological. and Social Perspectives. SCD Press, 2019.
Witherington, Ben III. Paul’s letter to the Philippians: a socio-rhetorical commentary. Eerdmans, 2011.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar or Tutorial | 1500 | 20.0 | |
| Essay | 1500 | 15.0 | |
| Exegesis | 3000 | 13.0 | |
| Portfolio | Learning activities that may include a reflective journal, case study, or similar |
2000 | 25.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 27 Oct, 2025
Unit record last updated: 2025-10-27 10:04:57 +1100