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Alphacrucis College

Details for Hebrews, 1 Peter and the NT use of the OT

One of the biggest questions for students of the Bible is in regards to the way(s) in which New Testament texts interact with the Old. The books of Hebrews and 1 Peter, rich in OT symbolism and imagery, provide us with a clear glimpse into how the early church continued the story of Israel in the light of Jesus. This unit applies insights from rhetorical criticism and sociology in order to examine the ways in which the early Christians constructed their symbolic universe and self-identity. By examining the thorough (and sometimes provocative) use of the Jewish story in Hebrews and 1 Peter, you will be able to identify the ways in which the Christian story is in both continuity and discontinuity with the OT.

Quick Info

  • Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
  • Unit code: BIB354
  • Credit points: 10
  • Total workload hours per week: 10
  • Number of timetabled hours per week: 3 *

* Note: Units with reduced contact hours (such as those taught in Intensive format) will have an increased assessment component.↩

Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites:

The unit Hebrews, 1 Peter and the NT use of the OT is part of the subject area Biblical Studies and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This unit applies insights from rhetorical criticism and sociology to examine the roles that intertextuality, symbolic universe, rhetoric and pseudonymity play in community formation and maintenance.

Subject Content

  1. Pseudonymity in Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity
  2. Examination of the rhetoric, structure and theology of Hebrews and 1 Peter
  3. Hermeneutical principles in exegeting sample texts
  4. Petrine Pneumatology
  5. Hermeneutics and contemporary reading communities
  6. A critique of Pentecostalism’s use of the OT

This course may be offered in the following formats

Lectures, guided discussion, guided exegesis, web

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%, 2500 words); Forum Postings (20%, 2500 words); Exam (30%)

Prescribed Text

DeSilva, D.A. Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle ‘to the Hebrews’. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.

Representative References