Details for Introduction to the Bible

Understanding the Bible is foundational for the Christian life. Whilst many of us have read the Bible, there are many sections that are seemingly foreign and strange, or that we just plain avoid. This unit aims to introduce you to the Old and New Testaments, and its big-picture message. We will explore the historical and thematic developments of the Bible, assisting you to understand how the different biblical books and message all fit together. Further, we will discuss how the message of Scripture, which was set in a very different context to us, can be applied to today’s context.

There are two textbooks for this unit: Grey, J., Them Us & Me: How the Old Testament Speaks to People Today, (Sydney: SCD/ APSS, 2008) AND Witherington, B, III., The New Testament Story, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 2004).

The unit Introduction to the Bible is part of the subject area Biblical Studies and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Bachelor of Applied Theology (Korean) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)), Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This unit provides an investigation of the Bible with a view to providing a balanced assessment and appreciation of its various genres, themes and overall canonical development

Subject Content

1. Introduction to the Bible and Canons
2. Sinai tradition and the Ancient Near East context
3. Politics and Religion in Ancient Israel
4. Hebrew Poetry and Wisdom Literature
5. The Synoptic problem & the Quest(s) for the historical Jesus.
6. The Pauline literature & other Epistles
7. The Johannine Literature
8. Luke-Acts and application to ministry in the Pentecostal context

This course may be offered in the following formats

Lectures, tutorials, small group work, student presentation, dramatic reading, web-based interaction

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

Major essay (50%, 2000 words); Exegetical Essay (25%, 1000 words); Exam (25%, 1 hour)

Prescribed Text

OT: Grey, J. Them, Us & Me: How the Old Testament Speaks to People Today. Sydney: APSS/SCD Press, 2008.

NT: Witherington, B, III. The New Testament Story. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004.

Representative References

• Achtemeier, P.J., Green, J.B. and Thompson, M.M. Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001.
• Anderson, B.W.The Living World of the Old Testament. 4^th ed. Singapore: Longman, Jesus and the Rise of Early Christianity: A History of New Testament Times. 1988.
• Barnett, P.Downers Grove: IVP, 1999.
• Brown, R.E. An Introduction to the New Testament. New York: Doubleday, 1997.
• Bruce, F.F. The Canon of Scripture. Downers Grove: IVP, 1988.
• Brueggemann, W. An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination. Louiseville: Westminster/John Knox, 2003.
• DeSilva, D.A.An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods and Ministry Formation. Downers Grove: IVP, 2004.
• Dillard, Raymond B. and Longman, Tremper III.An Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.
• Johnson, L.T. The Writings of the New Testament: An Interpretation. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1986.
• LaSor, W.S et al. Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament. 2^nded. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.
• Witherington, B., III.Paul’s Narrative Thought World. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1994.
• Witherington, B., III. The New Testament Story. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004.
• Wright, N.T. The New Testament and the People of God. London: SPCK, 1992.