Content

This foundational unit provides an overview of the literary genres, historical and cultural contexts, and theological themes found within the New Testament. Students will engage with contemporary critical methodologies for scriptural interpretation, particularly from an Orthodox perspective, and will explore the development of the New Testament canon.

Unit code: BN1600A

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Online - Synchronous

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Discuss the genres, rhetorical styles, and theological themes of New Testament texts

2.

Describe the socio-historical context of the New Testament

3.

Analyse New Testament writings in relation to Orthodox perspectives.

4.

Apply exegetical methodology to passages from the New Testament

Pedagogy

Synchronous and asynchronous. Flipped classrooms. Pre-recorded lectures, zoom tutorials with guided reading.

Indicative Bibliography

Aune, D. The New Testament in Its Literary Environment. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1989.

Blomberg, C. L. A Handbook of New Testament Exegesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010.

Boring, M. E. An Introduction to the New Testament: History, Literature, Theology. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2012.

deSilva, D. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Formation. Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2004.

Drane, J. Introducing the New Testament. Oxford: Lion, 2010.

Elwell, W. A. and Yarbrough, R. W. Encountering the New Testament and Readings from the First-Century World. Grand Rapids.: Baker, 2005.

Hayes, J. H. & C. R. Holladay. Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner’s Handbook. 3rd ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2007.

Klauck, H. J. Ancient Letters and the New Testament: A Guide to Context and Exegesis. Waco, Texas: Baylor, 2006.

Metzger, B. The Canon of the New Testament: Its Origin, Development, and Significance. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1997.

Thompson, M., J. Green & P. Achtemeier, Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Eerdmans, 2001.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Forum 1000 25.0
Exegesis 1000 25.0
Written examination under timed conditions conducted online 2000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 7 Oct, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-10-07 08:35:46 +1100