Content

This unit explores key questions related to the study of the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. It pays particular attention to the content of Lukan Literature, its literary forms, as well as important exegetical methods for its study including historical, religious, cultural and social contexts. Luke-Acts will be considered as a significant example of the relationship between ancient historiography and early Christian theology for understanding of the New Testament. Students will engage with theological themes of Christology, soteriology, discipleship, and mission and will touch upon Lukan issues of inclusion, social justice, gender and holiness. Critical and practical implications of these themes for life and ministry will be considered.

Unit code: BN9144B

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Assess different critical methodologies used in the study of Luke-Acts.

2.

Explain how cultural, historical, political and social contexts of the first century CE shape interpretation of Lukan Literature.

3.

Examine major Lukan theological themes and evaluate their contribution to New Testament theology

4.

Appraise various literary forms that contribute to understanding of Lukan texts

5.

Analyse selected texts from Luke-acts using appropriate methodologies of biblical exegesis

6.

Integrate theological ideas in Lukan Literature into practical application to contemporary life, ministry or social contexts

Unit sequence

An exegetical Introduction to New Testament unit or equivalent.

Pedagogy

The course will facilitate student learning and achieving LOs in face-to-face or online environments through a set of appropriate learning activities, e.g. engagement with a variety of visual aids, diverse forms of group work and presentations, tutorials, discussions, online forums, blended approaches, individual reflections, etc.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bock, Darrell L. A Theology of Luke and Acts: God’s Promised Program, Realized for All Nations. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012.
  • Gaventa, Beverly Roberts. The Acts of the Apostles. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2003.
  • Green, J. B. (ed.) Methods for Luke. Methods in Biblical Interpretation. Cambridge: CUP, 2010.
  • Green, J. B. The Theology of the Gospel of Luke. Cambridge: CUP, 1995.
  • Jervell, J. The Theology of the Acts of the Apostles. Cambridge: CUP, 1996.
  • Johnson, Luke Timothy. Prophetic Jesus, Prophetic Church: The Challenge of Luke-Acts to Contemporary Christians. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub., 2011.
  • Karris,Robert J. Eating Your Way Through Luke's Gospel. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2006.
  • Malina, Bruce J. & John J. Pilch. Social-Science Commentary on the Book of Acts. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2008.
  • Marshall, I.H. Luke: Historian and Theologian. Exeter: Paternoster Press, 1984.
  • Neyrey, J. H. (ed.) The Social World of Luke-Acts. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1990.
  • Shillington, V. George. An Introduction to the Study of Luke-Acts. London: T&T Clark, 2006.
  • Spencer, F. Scott. The Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. Nashville: Abingdon, 2008
  • Winter, Bruce W. and Gill, David W. J. (eds.) The Book of Acts in Its First Century Setting. 5 vols. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993.
  • Witherington, B., III (ed) History, Literature and Society in the Book of Acts. Cambridge: CUP, 1995.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

A Creative Piece (3500)

3500 50.0
Book Review

Book Review (2000 words)

2000 30.0
Oral Presentation

Presentation (1500 words)

1500 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 18 Oct, 2018

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:49 +1000