Gospel Studies 1: Matthew and Mark (BN2001L)

Content

This unit introduces students to exegetical methods in studying the Synoptic Gospels. Students engage with central issues in Gospel studies—including the history of the gospel tradition, source analysis, provenance, literary design, and distinctive theologies—through a critical study of Matthew and Mark. Students also learn about the broader cultural and sociological contexts of gospel texts. Students engage in close study of selected gospel pericopes, including attention to homiletical possibilities.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 2 unit in undergraduate theology and ministry courses

Prerequisites: 18 points in the discipline of New Testament (BN)

Pedagogy

The unit will combine lectures with exegetical workshops and class presentations

Indicative Bibliography

• Aland, Kurt. Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum – Greek. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1996/2001.
• Allison, Dale C. Matthew: a shorter commentary. London: T & T Clark, 2005.
• Boring, M. Eugene. Mark: a Commentary. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006.
• Carter, Warren. Matthew: storyteller, interpreter, evangelist. Rev. ed. Ada, MI: Baker Books, 2004.
• Evans, Craig, and Stanley Porter, eds. The Synoptic Gospels: a Sheffield reader. Sheffield, UK: Sheffield Academic Press. 1995.
• Moloney, Francis J. Mark: storyteller, interpreter, evangelist. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2004.
• Nickle, Keith F. The Synoptic Gospels: an introduction. 2nd rev. and expanded ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001.
• Aland, Barbara, and Kurt Aland, eds. Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th ed. Edited by the Institute for New Testament Textual Research. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2012.
• Rhoads, David, Joanna Dewey, and Donald Michie. Mark as story: an introduction to the narrative of a gospel. 3rd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2012.
• Sanders, E.P., and Margaret Davies. Studying the synoptic Gospels. London: SCM Press, 1989.

Assessment