Interpreting the New Testament

Course Summary

This unit provides a broad survey of the New Testament, situating its writings within their historical, cultural and canonical contexts. Students engage with the Gospels, Acts, the Pauline and General Epistles, and Revelation, drawing on non-canonical studies and contextual and comparative scholarship to deepen their understanding of the text. The unit equips students to interpret New Testament texts using sound methodology and to communicate their understanding clearly to diverse audiences.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Analyse the contribution of non-canonical studies and literature for New Testament interpretation.
  2. Analyse the content and key themes of the New Testament.
  3. Synthesise and critically apply insights from contextual and comparative studies to the interpretation of various New Testament texts.
  4. Interpret New Testament texts utilising appropriate methodology, and communicate understanding to diverse audiences, justifying the strategies employed.

Course Content

  1. Introducing the New Testament
  2. The Gospels and History / Mark
  3. The Jewish World of the Gospels / Matthew
  4. The Greco-Roman World
  5. Luke and the Parables
  6. Acts, the Spirit and the Early Church
  7. Gospel of John
  8. Paul the Person
  9. Paul’s Theology / Galatians and Romans
  10. The Pastoral Epistles / 1–2 Corinthians
  11. The Pastoral Epistles (cont’d) / Development in the New Testament
  12. Hebrews and the General Epistles
  13. The Book of Revelation