Content

This unit offers advanced exegetical study of the Gospel of John. Students engage questions regarding the historical background of the gospel, as well as its distinctive literary features, narrative approach, and theological emphases. Close study of selected pericopes will assist the student in consolidating exegetical skills. Students are encouraged to reflect on how their learning might be applied in preaching or other contexts. Students with knowledge of Greek have the opportunity to use the language for reading and study,

Unit code: BN9078L

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: New Testament

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate the historical background, distinctive literary features and theological themes of John's gospel in nuanced ways

2.

Analyse texts from the Gospel of John using advanced exegetical skills and methods

3.

Critically evaluate scholarship on a contested issue in John's gospel

4.

Develop, research, and defend a thesis about the gospel of John using primary and secondary sources

5.

Critically reflect on how exegesis of the gospels can be applied in a contemporary ministry context

Unit sequence

Prerequisites: 36 points either from a relevant discipline in Field B or in New Testament Greek. Prohibited with BN9077L

Pedagogy

The unit combines presentations by the lecturer with exegetical workshops and student presentations, which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Aland, Barbara, and Kurt Aland, eds. The Greek New Testament with Dictionary. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1998/2013.
  • Anderson, Paul, et al., eds. John, Jesus, and History. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2024.
  • Beutler, Johannes. A Commentary on the Gospel of John. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2024.
  • Brown, Raymond E. *An Introduction to the Gospel of John. Edited by Francis J. Moloney. Anchor Bible Reference Library. New York: Doubleday, 2003.
  • Hengel, Martin. The Johannine Question. London: SCM Press, 1989.
  • Lincoln, Andrew T. The Gospel According to St. John. London: Continuum, 2005.
  • Thompson, Marianne Meye. John: A Commentary. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2015.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Oral Presentation

Exegetical presentations and reflection

2000 25.0
Report

Report engaging with scholarly interpretations of John's gospel

1500 15.0
Exegetical Essay

Research-based exegesis

4500 60.0
Approvals

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

Unit record last updated: 2025-10-07 08:38:19 +1100