Details for Reading the Synoptic Gospels

This unit examines the literary form of the gospel narratives. It examines the key theological themes, symbolism and theology of the New Testament gospels. This unit forms a bridge between OT and NT, and brings greater focus to a reading of the Christian Bible. 

The unit Reading the Synoptic Gospels is part of the subject area Biblical Studies and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

At the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate advanced knowledge of the distinctive symbolism, structure, style, theology and rhetoric of the New Testament gospels;
2. understand the historical, geographical and social background of the gospels;
3. critically engage the contemporary debates concerning the origin, unity, ideology and ethics of the gospel narratives;
4. investigate thoroughly the key theological themes of the gospel narratives;
5. critically evaluate both the primary biblical materials and secondary literature from a range of perspectives;
6. exegete selected passages from the New Testament gospels. 

Subject Content

1. Overview of the synoptic gospel
2. Identifying the genre(s) of the gospel material
3. Origins of the synoptics
4. Examination of the structure, symbolism, and theology of the synoptic gospels
5. The portrayal of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke
6. quest for the historical Jesus
7. The theology of Matthew
8. Messianic Secret: the background to and purposes of the Markan narrative
9. Exegesis of selected passages of the Lukan narrative;
the significance of the synoptic gospels for Christian discipleship and ministry 

Assessment Methods

Minor essay, Major essay, Exam.

Prescribed Text

• Reading package provided

Representative References

Barrett, C. K. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, 2 vols. Edinburgh: T and T Clark, 2000.

Bird, M.F. “The Unity of Luke-Acts in Recent Discussion.” Journal for the Study of the New Testament 29, no. 1 (2007): 425-448.

Donahue, J.R. and D.J. Harrington. The Gospel of Mark. Collegeville: Michael Glazier, 2002.

Evans, C.A.and J.A. Sanders. Luke and Scripture: The Function of Sacred Tradition in Luke-Acts. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Pub, 2001.

Harrington, D.J. The Gospel of Matthew. Collegeville: Michael Glazier, 2007.

Hur, J. Dynamic Reading of the Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts.  London, UK: T. & T. Clark Pub, 2004.