NT Introduction 1 (Online)

a.  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 4^th May, 5pm. A template may be found below.

b.   Graded Requirements

• Exegetical Paper 
  • Write an exegetical paper comparing a passage in Mark’s Gospel to a parallel passage in Luke or Matthew, which draws out the specific meaning and emphasis of the The student will be expected to write approximately 1000 words (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 23^rd January. The paper will be due on Friday 21^st February, 5pm.
• Research Paper 
  • 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 (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 6^th The paper will be due on Friday 11^th April, 5pm.
• Take Home Exam 
  • The final exam will cover the material from the whole course. It will consist of short answer questions, exegesis on short passages, and The exam will be released on Wednesday 30^th April and is due on Sunday 4th May, 5pm.

5.  Guidelines for Exegetical and Research Papers

• Include the MBS standard title page stating your name, course, subject, and assessment.
• Follow the SBL style guide for Footnotes / Bibliography.
• It’s recommended to use Referencing Software such as Zotero in correctly formatting your citations.
• Paper should be double-spaced, and use Times New Romans font, size 12, justified paragraph.
• Write in connected prose, with a clear progression of thought (argument). Don’t use dot points.
• Be sure to provide evidence to support the points you make. Do not only make assertions but show why your understanding is correct. This means providing relevant bible references and citing scholars that make a similar point.
• Stronger answers will interact with wider scholarship. Indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the positions of others.
• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited including the use of AI software such as ChatGPT. The use of all reference materials must be acknowledged and referenced accordingly, including the lecture notes.
• Always ensure that you are answering the question. Do not get side-tracked on discussing things that are interesting but not relevant to the question.
• Acceptable reference material include Books (Monographs), Commentaries and Journal Articles. Blog posts, articles and other internet sources (such as Wikipedia) are not acceptable.
• Email your completed assessments before the due date to:
  • Lecturer: tim.a.nicholls@gmail.com
  • Registrar: registrarmbsed@gmail.com
• Refer to the research and writing guides (provided in class) for further guidance on how to research and write your paper.
• Marks may be deducted for late submissions and failure to meet the above requirements. Requests for late submissions should be directed to the registrar at registrarmbsed@gmail.com and complete the required form.

6.  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, Michegan: William B. Eerdmans, 2009.

Recommended Reading

a.  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.

b.      Matthew

France, R. T. The Gospel According to Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary. Eerdmans. The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985.

c.       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.

d.      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, Mich: 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.

e.      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.

f.        Acts

Marshall, I. Howard, and David Peterson, eds. Witness to the Gospel: The Theology of Acts. Grand Rapids, Mic: 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.

Reading Journal (Sample)