NT301/501 CONTENT & SETTING OF THE GOSPEL TRADITION

3 hours per week semester 1

Lecturer: Tony Bird

Aims: To survey the teaching and background of the Gospels. 
 

Description: To study the life and ministry of Jesus within its historical, religious and cultural setting; to study the outline and emphases of Mark’s gospel as well as the distinctives of the other gospels; to study the theology of the gospels with special reference to the Kingdom of God, the parables, the miracles, the ethics of Jesus, the Christology of the gospels and the passion and resurrection narratives. 

Recommended Course Reading:

D A Carson, D J Moo, & L Morris, An Introduction to the New Testament (Apollos, 1992).

R H Gundry, A Survey of the New Testament (Zondervan, 1970).

G E Ladd, A Theology of the New Testament Revised Edition (Eerdmans, 1993).

 

NT302/502 EARLY NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

 3 hours per week semester 2 

Lecturer: Tony Bird

Aims: To survey the teaching of Acts and selected letters of the New Testament. 
 

Description: To study the main features involved in the teachings and expansion of the early church in the Acts of the Apostles; to study the background and central themes of selected epistles of the New Testament.

Recommended Course Reading: As for Content & Setting of the Gospel Traditions above.

NT422/622ENG/NT432/632GRK EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS 

3 hours per week semester 1 

Lecturers: Tony Bird / Douglas Milne

Aims: To study Hebrews and to train in the practice of biblical exegesis; to extend knowledge of New Testament theology. 
 

Description: The Theology of Hebrews is studied including such themes as covenant, high priesthood, perfection, use of the Old Testament and the church. In the exegesis class selected passages from the book are exegeted and presented in class by students. 
 

Textbooks:

D Guthrie, Hebrews (IVP/Eerdmans, 1989).

P Ellingworth, Commentary on Hebrews NIGTC (Eerdmans, 1993).

A H Trotter, Interpreting the Epistle to the Hebrews (Baker, 1997).

G D Fee, New Testament Exegesis (Westminster, 1983).

 

NT424/624ENG/NT434/634GRK FOURTH GOSPEL

 3 hours per week semester 2

Lecturers: Tony Bird

Aims: To provide an opportunity for candidates to explore deeply the work of a major New Testament theologian, the Fourth Evangelist, as he reflects upon the gospel traditions. 

Description: To study the Gospel of John; introductory issues, its theology including topics such as Christology, pneumatology, eschatology, signs and faith. In the exegesis class selected passages from the Gospel of John are exegeted and presented in class by students. 
 

Textbooks:

G M Burge, Interpreting the Gospel of John (Baker, 1992).

D A Carson, The Gospel According to John (IVP/Eerdmans, 1991).

G D Fee, New Testament Exegesis (Westminster, 1983).

 

NT425/625ENG/NT435/635GRK PAULINE THEOLOGY AND ROMANS

3 hours per week semester 2 
 

Lecturers: Tony Bird / Douglas Milne

Aims: To familiarise the students with the theology of Paul and to examine in more detail the background and teachings of Romans. 
 

Description: The inner structure and leading themes of Paul’s theology, with special reference to the Epistle to the Romans, is studied. In the exegesis class selected passages are exegeted and presented in class by students. 
 

Textbooks:

H Ridderbos, Paul (Eerdmans, 1975).

D J Moo, The Epistle to the Romans NICNT (Eerdmans, 1996).

G D Fee, New Testament Exegesis (Westminster, 1983).

F F Bruce, Romans: An Introduction and Commentary (TP, 1971).

Robert L Reymond, Paul (Mentor, 2000).

 

NT437/637 NEW TESTAMENT APOCALYPTIC

 3 hours per week 1 semester

Lecturer: Tony Bird

Aims: To introduce students to the apocalyptic genre as represented by the Book of Revelation.
 

Description: This unit looks at the historical, social and theological roots of New Testament Apocalyptic writings, especially the Book of Revelation. Also the theology of the Book of Revelation, including such themes as Christology, doctrine of God, judgement and hope. Translation and exegesis of the Greek text of Revelation 1, 4-7, 12-14, 20-21 (or a comparable block of chapters).

Textbooks:

G K Beale, The Book of Revelation (Eerdmans, 2000).

S J Kistemaker, Revelation (Baker, 2009).

 

NT445/645 LIFE AND TIMES OF JESUS - STUDY TOUR IN ISRAEL

Intensive mode

Lecturer: Tony Bird

Aims: To familiarise students with the geography, topography, climate and historical background of the land of Israel.

Description: To visit the key archaeological site, relating to the life and times of Jesus and be able to critically evaluate their importance for Gospel study. This will enable the student to connect key characters and places in Israel with the gospel texts.

Textbooks: 

P Barnett, Jesus and the Rise of Early Christianity (JVP, 1999).

J McKay, Archaeology and the New Testament, (Baker, 1991).