Interpreting the New Testament (BN1301B)

Content

This unit introduces students to interpreting the New Testament, familiarising them with its historical, social and literary settings, and introducing them to methods of biblical exegesis. Historical-critical approaches are introduced and explained with special attention to the Gospel of Matthew in reference to the other Synoptic Gospels. Literary, socio-cultural and rhetorical approaches are introduced and explained with special attention to the Gospel of John, the Pauline corpus, and Revelation, and reference to other New Testament writings.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

Guided readings, weekly online workshops, discussions, group work, video recordings

Indicative Bibliography

• Beetham, Christopher A, ed. Concise New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Academic, 2021.
• Bellinzoni, Arthur J. The New Testament: An Introduction to Biblical Scholarship. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock, 2016.
• DeSilva, David Arthur. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods & Ministry Formation. Second ed. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2018.
• Green, Joel B., and Lee Martin McDonald (eds.). The World of the New Testament: Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013.
• Hayes, John H., and Carl R. Holladay. Biblical exegesis: A beginner’s handbook. 3rd edition. Atlanta: John Knox, 2007.
• Horrell, David G. An Introduction to the Study of Paul. Third ed. London: Bloomsbury, 2015.
• Porter, Stanley E. Dictionary of Biblical Criticism and Interpretation. London: Routledge, 2009.
• Powell, Mark Allan. Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey. Second ed. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2018.
• Wegner, Paul D. A Student's Guide to Textual Criticism of the Bible: Its History, Methods and Results. Westmont: InterVarsity Press, 2012.
• Wright, N. T, and Michael F Bird. The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians. London: SPCK, 2019.

Assessment