- Teacher: Karlo Timenia
Introduction to Israel's Scriptures (Old Testament) (BIB102)
The aim of this subject is to familiarise students with Israel's Scriptures as a coherent narrative that is of crucial importance to Christians (pun intended!). While this subject includes a discussion of every book in Israel's Scriptures, it goes beyond this to look at how the character of God is communicated and traces significant themes throughout. We will also look at how to read Hebrew narrative and poetry, and at the influence of cultural background on interpretation.
Unit Content
Outcomes
- Describe the overall content, storyline, and significance of Israel’s Scriptures (Old Testament);
- Outline how Israel’s Scriptures came into existence and their canonical structure;
- Define the overall historical, cultural and social context of Israel’s Scriptures;
- Examine the contents of Israel’s Scriptures.
- Summarise the key themes, structure, and developments of a book of Israel’s Scriptures;
- Discuss principles and insights derived from the study of Israel’s Scriptures for contemporary life and ministry;
Subject Content
- Torah: Genesis and Exodus
- Torah: Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
- Former Prophets: Joshua and Judges
- Former Prophets: Samuel and Kings
- Latter Prophets: Isaiah
- Latter Prophets: Jeremiah
- Latter Prophets: Ezekiel
- Latter Prophets: The Twelve
- The Writings
- Teacher: Marlene Yap
Introduction to the New Testament (BIB103)
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
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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
- Teacher: Marlene Yap
Mark’s Gospel (BIB257)
Recent scholarship has come to appreciate the power and rich subtlety of Mark’s deceptively straightforward and oft-neglected account of Jesus. The rehabilitation of Jesus’ long-ignored Jewishness has contributed to this renaissance, paving the way for a new understanding of Mark’s themes, structure, coherence, and remarkably high Christology. Deepen your understanding of Mark’s gospel and its relevance today through this careful exegetical study.
Unit Content
Outcomes
- Examine the exegetical issues related to Markan Scholarship;
- Demonstrate Mark’s purpose in writing his gospel account and its intended audience;
- Explain or Illustrate a theme featured in Mark;
- Analyse a theological component emerging from Mark;
- Apply principles and insights derived from the study of Mark’s gospel for contemporary life and culture.
Subject Content
- Introduction; History of Markan Scholarship; 1:1-15 The Prologue
- 1:16-45 Into Galilee: Mighty Words and Mighty Deeds
- 2:1-3:6 Emerging Local Opposition: Questions about Jesus’ Authority and Holiness
- 3:7-4:34 The Lord in Strength
- 4:35-5:43 Four “Parables” of Mighty Deeds; 6:1-56 Prophets without honour … and more than a Prophet
- 7:1-8:21 True Holiness and the Inclusion of the Nations
- 8:22-10:52 The New Exodus Way of the Crucified Son of Man
- 11:1-15:47 Jerusalem: A New Temple, a New Covenant, and a New Passover
- 16:1-8 Jesus has Risen