New Testament Introduction 1 (Online)

Lecturer: Rev Tim Nicholls
tim.a.nicholls@gmail.com

Online on Zoom
Thursday, 7.45pm-10.15pm
3 units

GENERAL AIM

This unit introduces students to the study of the New Testament. It helps students to read the New Testament writings aware of their historical, literary and theological nature, by focusing upon the four Gospels and Acts. It provides an overview of the content, structure and theology of these books. It provides the necessary factual and methodological foundation for future study of the New Testament. It will assist in the development of the graduate’s coherent and integrated knowledge of God as revealed in Scripture, as well as their confidence in the grace of God expressed in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The purpose of this unit is to establish the student’s knowledge and skill base for reading the New Testament in a literary, theological and historical fashion as an integral part of a preaching & teaching ministry

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this unit, students will:

1. Articulate and implement principles of sound biblical exegesis that are sensitive to the Gospel genre.
2. Appreciate the merits of literary approaches to the interpretation of the Gospels and Acts.
3. Describe the historical, socio-cultural, religious, and political setting of first-century Palestine as the context for Jesus’ life and ministry.
4. Analyse and recognise the structure, content and distinctive theological emphases of the Gospels and Acts.
5. Describe the identity and mission of Christ, with particular emphasis on his titles and the resurrection and passion narratives.
6. Outline the message and ministry of Christ, as found in his emphasis on the Kingdom of God, use
   of parables, ethical teaching, and miracles.
7. Relate the teaching of the Gospels and Acts to key Christian doctrines, including Christology, pneumatology, eschatology, atonement, ecclesiology, and the Christian life of discipleship.
8. Make comments on the significance of the Gospels and Acts for contemporary Christian ministry and preaching.

COURSE CONTENT

A study of Jesus’ life and ministry in the Gospels and Acts, with special reference to the Gospel of Mark, including the following:

1. Principles of Sound Exegesis
   • Historical Context
   • Authors Purpose
   • Old Testament Foundations (Biblical Theology)
   • Structure & Flow
2. Context and setting
   • The historical, socio-cultural, religious, and political setting of first-century Palestine
3. One Gospel and four Gospels
   • An introduction and overview of each Gospel
   • Distinctive features of the Gospels
   • The interrelationship of the Gospels
4. The identity and life of Jesus
   • The designations and titles of Jesus
   • The passion and resurrection narrative
5. The message and ministry of Jesus
   • The Kingdom of God in the proclamation of Jesus
   • The significance and interpretation of the parables
   • The ethics of Jesus, including the Sermon on the Mount
6. The contents and theology of Acts
7. Reflection (through a-f) on the significance of Jesus Christ for contemporary life and ministry

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Non-Graded Requirements
   • Attendance at all classes (missing more than 2 classes will constitute failure).
   • Read through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and Acts in a modern English
     translation (ESV or NIV).
   • Complete set readings and keep a journal of date of completion. This must be submitted
     before the final exam on Sunday 24th May, 5pm. A template may be found below.
     
2. Graded Requirements
   • Exegetical Paper (20%)
     • Write an exegetical paper on a chosen passage from Mark’s Gospel from a given selection. The student will be required to comment on the historical, literary, and biblical contexts, meaning, as well as the application. The student will be expected to write approximately 1000 words (Certificate/Diploma/BTh/BDiv) or 1250 words (MDiv/MCS) (+/-10%) and display interactions with at least THREE commentaries in addition to the course material. Proper footnotes and bibliography must be provided.
     • Topics will be made available before Thursday 12th February. The paper will be due on Friday 20th March, 5pm.
   • Research Paper (40%)
     • Write a research paper on a chosen topic related to the Gospels or Acts, from a list of topics provided by the lecturer. The student will be expected to write approximately 2000 words (Certificate/Diploma/BTh/BDiv) or 2500 words (MDiv/MCS) (+/-10%) and display interactions with commentaries, monographs and journals. Proper footnotes and bibliography must be provided.
     • Topics will be made available before Thursday 26th March. The paper will be due on Friday 1st May, 5pm.
   • Take Home Exam (40%)
     • The final exam will cover the material from the whole course. It will consist of short answer questions, exegesis on short passages, and essays. The exam will be released on Tuesday 19th May, and is due on Sunday, 24th May, 5pm.

GUIDELINES FOR EXEGETICAL AND RESEARCH PAPERS

1. Understanding the Question
   • Read the question carefully and ensure you understand what is being asked.
   • Identify key terms (e.g., “analyse,” “evaluate,” “compare”) to determine what kind of response is expected.
   • Do not get sidetracked by discussing things that may be interesting but are irrelevant to the question.
     
2. Formatting and Submission Requirements
   • Title Page: Your paper must include the standard MBS title page with your name, course, subject, date, topic, and word count.
   • Word Count: Footnotes are included in the word count, but citations and bibliography are not.
   • Referencing: Follow the Society for Biblical Literature (SBL) format for footnotes and bibliography. Use Zotero or another referencing software to format citations correctly.
   • Late Submissions: Marks may be deducted for late submissions. Requests for extensions must be directed to the registrar, and the required form must be completed.
     
3. Developing a Strong Argument
   • Your paper must have a clear thesis statement (central argument) stated early in the introduction.
   • Write in connected prose with a logical progression of thought. Do not use bullet points.
   • Every paragraph should contribute to answering the question.
   • Provide evidence for every claim. Do not just assert a point but prove it with biblical references and scholarly sources.
   • Engage critically. Do not just summarise material, but analyse and interact with it.
     
4. Engaging with Biblical Texts
   • The primary focus should be the biblical text. Engage directly with relevant passages.
   • Ensure you always provide biblical references whenever you refer to the text of Scripture.
   • Consider the historical, literary, and theological context when interpreting Scripture.
   • Use proper exegetical methods. Pay attention to word meanings, structure, and flow of
     argument in the biblical text.
     
5. Using Secondary Literature
   • Engage with a range of scholarly sources, including monographs, commentaries, and journal articles.
   • Unacceptable sources include blog posts, internet articles, and Wikipedia.
   • Stronger answers will demonstrate interaction with a variety of scholarly perspectives. Indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with different positions.
   • Always acknowledge and cite all reference materials, including the lecture notes.
     
6. Structure of the Paper
   • Introduction (10%): Clearly introduce the topic, state the thesis, and outline the structure of your paper.
   • Main Body (80%): Present your argument in logically ordered sections, with clear topic sentences and supporting evidence.
   • Conclusion (10%): Summarize your key findings and restate how they answer the research
     question. Do not introduce new arguments here.
     
7. Clarity and Writing Quality
   • Write in formal academic English. Avoid conversational tone and personal opinions unless required.
   • Keep sentences clear and concise. Avoid overly complex or vague writing.
   • Proofread your work for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors before submission.
   • It is recommended that you use software like Grammarly to ensure accurate spelling and grammar.
   • Read your essay aloud or have someone else review it to check for clarity.
     
8. Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
   • Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. This includes the use of AI software such as ChatGPT to generate content. Submissions will be checked for AI generated content.
   • All reference materials must be acknowledged and cited correctly.
   • Failure to properly cite sources will result in penalties.
     
9. Avoiding Common Pitfalls
   • Failing to answer the question. Stay focused on the set topic and structure your argument accordingly.
   • Merely summarising sources. Your task is to critically engage with the material, not just repeat what others have said.
   • Superficial engagement with the biblical text. Always ground your argument in Scripture with proper exegesis.
   • Poor referencing. Ensure all citations follow SBL style and are formatted correctly.
   • Last-minute writing. Start early to allow time for research, reflection, and revision.
     
10. Further Guidance
    • Refer to the guides here for further guidance on how to research and write your paper:
      • Research Guides
      • Writing Guides

CLASS SCHEDULE

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS

Bolt, Peter G. The Cross from a Distance: Atonement in Mark’s Gospel. Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2004.

Carson, D. A., and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament. Second edition. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2005.

Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, Mich: William B. Eerdmans Pub, 2003.

Peterson, David. The Acts of the Apostles. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans, 2009.

RECOMMENDED READING

1. GENERAL
   • Barnett, P., Jesus and the Rise of Early Christianity: A History of New Testament Times (Downers Grove: IVP, 1999).
   • Beale, G. K., and Benjamin L. Gladd. The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New testament. Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2020.
   • DeSilva, David Arthur. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods & Ministry Formation. Downers Grove, Ill. : Leicester, England: InterVarsity Press ; Apollos, 2004.
   • Green, Joel B., ed. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. Second Edition. Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, 2013.
   • Guthrie, Donald. New Testament Introduction. 4th rev. ed. The Master Reference Collection. Downers Grove, Ill: Inter-Varsity Press, 1990.
   • Marshall, I, Howard. New Testament Theology: Many Witnesses, One Gospel. Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press, 2004.
   • Powell, Mark Allan. What Is Narrative Criticism? Guides to Biblical Scholarship. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1990.
     
2. MATTHEW
   • France, R. T. The Gospel According to Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary. Eerdmans. The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985.
     
3. MARK
   • Barnett, Paul W. The Servant King: Reading Mark Today. Sydney South: Aquila Press, 2006.
   • Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Mark. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002.
   • Rhoads, David M., Joanna Dewey, and Donald Michie. Mark as Story: An Introduction to the Narrative of a Gospel. Third edition. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2012.
     
4. LUKE
   • Bock, Darrell L. A Theology of Luke and Acts: God’s Promised Program, Realized for All Nations. Edited by Andreas J. Kostenberger, n.d.
   • Bock, Darrell L. Luke. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament 3. Grand Rapids, Mic: Baker Books, 1994.
   • Tannehill, Robert C. The Narrative Unity of Luke-Acts: A Literary Interpretation. Volume 1: The Gospel According to Luke. Vol. 1. 2 vols. Foundations and Facets. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1991.
     
5. JOHN
   • Carson, D. A. The Gospel According to John. Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, Mich.: Inter-Varsity Press ; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991.
   • Köstenberger, Andreas J. John. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1994.
     
6. ACTS
   • Marshall, I. Howard, and David Peterson, eds. Witness to the Gospel: The Theology of Acts. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Pub, 1998.
   • Tannehill, Robert C. The Narrative Unity of Luke-Acts: A Literary Interpretation. Volume 2: The Acts of the Apostles. Vol. 2. 2 vols. Fortress Press, 1986.