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.

Unit code: BN2201L

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Translate accurately from Greek to English selected passages from Matthew and Mark

2.

Interpret gospel texts using critical exegetical methodologies

3.

Identify the historical, cultural, social, and religious settings and key literary features of each gospel

4.

Describe the narrative dynamic of gospel texts and the portrait of Jesus and the disciples they offer

5.

Describe the narrative dynamic of gospel texts and the portrait of Jesus and the disciples they offer

6.

Integrate exegetical insights into homiletical, pastoral, and/or missiological reflections

Unit sequence

New Testament Introduction or equivalent New Testament Greek A and B

Pedagogy

The unit will combine lectures with exegetical workshops and class presentations

Indicative Bibliography

  • Aland, Barbara, and Kurt Aland, eds. The Greek New Testament with dictionary. 4th rev. ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft. 1997
  • [Or: Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th edition. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2012.]
  • Aland, Kurt. Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum – Greek. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1996/2001.
  • [OR: Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the four gospels. Greek-English edition. 8th corrected ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1987. ]
  • 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.
  • 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

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Exegesis

Final exegetical paper 3000 words

3000 67.0
Exegesis

2 mini-exegesis papers 750 words each

1500 33.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 26 Sep, 2019

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:51 +1000