Old Testament Foundations

This course seeks to introduce the content of the books of the NT with a view to providing a basis for further reading and study. The primary focus will be on the message of each book within its particular historical-cultural setting, with some attention being given to its contribution to the theology of the NT as a whole. Selected critical issues will be dealt with on occasion.

Unit Content

Outcomes

  1. Define key elements of the historical, cultural, and literary backgrounds of the NT, with particular emphasis on Israel’s prior narrative which tradition provides their primary and authoritative interpretative framework; 
  2. Outline the content of the canonical documents, Mark, Matthew and Luke-Acts, with particular emphasis on their main arguments/theses, key theological emphases, and relevant historical and cultural background;
  3. Outline the content of the canonical documents, John, & Romans to Revelation,  with particular emphasis on their main arguments/theses, key theological emphases, and relevant historical and cultural background;
  4. Identify and discuss the various critical issues covered in class, such as provenance, unity, authorship, date, arising from the study of a given NT book.

Subject Content

  • Introductory issues, Greco-Roman 
  • Jewish backgrounds, Jewish Literature, text, canon
  • Introduction to the Gospel 
  • Mission and Message of Jesus.
  • Mark
  • Matthew, Luke-Acts
  • Intro to Paul, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians (I)
  • 1-2 Corinthians
  • Galatians, Romans
  • Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians
  • Philemon, The Pastoral Epistles
  • Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, Jude, John (I)
  • John (II), Epistles of John, Revelation

Quick Info

  • Course code: BIB105
  • Credit points: 10

Prerequisites

  • Nil

Prescribed Text

  • Wright, N. T. & Bird, Michael. The New Testament in its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians.  London: SPCK Publishing, 2019.

Assessment Methods

  • Weekly Quizzes (25%)
  • Major Exegesis (50%)
  • Sermon (25%)