NT Introduction 2 (Online)

Lecturer: Rev Tim Nicholls
tim.a.nicholls@gmail.com

Thursday, 7:30pm-10pm
Online on Zoom

General Aim

This unit is a continuation of Introduction to the New Testament 1, which introduced students to the study of the New Testament as history, literature and theology and provided an overview of the Gospels and Acts. This course will survey the remaining books of the New Testament from Romans to Revelation, examining the context, purpose, content and theology of each book. It will train students in the necessary skills of understanding New Testament epistles and prepare students for preaching and teaching these books.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Articulate and implement principles of sound biblical exegesis for understanding New Testament Epistles.
2. Understand the historical circumstances (context) surrounding the writing of each of the New Testament letters.
3. Examine the purpose, content, structure, and theological emphases of each of the New Testament Epistles.
4. Understand how to read New Testament letters in the light of their Old Testament background (biblical theology).
5. Be aware of current issues involved in the interpretation of the New Testament epistles.
6. Reflect on the relevance and application of the New Testament to issues facing the church today.

Content

A survey of the New Testament Epistles including the following:

1. Principles of Sound Exegesis
   • Historical Context
   • Authors’ Purpose
   • Old Testament Foundation (Biblical Theology)
   • Structure & Flow
2. Pauline Epistles
   • Romans
   • 1 & 2 Corinthians
   • Galatians
   • Ephesians
   • Philippians
   • Colossians
   • 1 & 2 Thessalonians
   • 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
3. Petrine Epistles & Jude
   • 1&2 Peter
   • Jude
4. General Epistles
   • Hebrews
   • James
5. Johannine Epistles
   • 1, 2 and 3 John
   • Revelation

Course Requirements

• Non-Graded Requirements
  • Attend all classes (missing more than 2 classes will constitute failure).
  • Read through the Epistles (Romans-Revelation) in a modern English translation (ESV or NIV).
  • Complete set readings and keep a journal of the date of completion. This must be submitted
    before the final exam on 22nd October. A template may be found below.

• Graded Requirements
  • Exegetical Paper (20%)
    Write an exegetical paper on a chosen passage from a given selection. The student will be required to comment on the historical, literary, and biblical contexts, meaning, and application. 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, 26th June. The paper will be due on Friday, 25th July, 5 pm.
    
    
  • Research Paper (40%)
    Write a research paper on a chosen topic related to the NT Epistles from a list of topics provided by the lecturer. The student will be expected to write approximately 2000 words (Diploma / B.Th.) or 2500 words (MCS / MDiv) (+/-10%) and display interactions with commentaries, monographs and journals. Proper footnotes and bibliography must be provided. Topics will be made available before Thursday, 31st July. The paper will be due on Friday, 5th September, 5 pm.
    
    
  • Take Home Exam (40%)
    The final exam will cover the material from the whole course. It will consist of short answer questions, exegesis on short passages, and essays. The exam will be released on Tuesday, 7th October, and is due on Sunday, 12th October, 5 pm.

Writing Guidelines

1. Understanding the Question
   • Read the question carefully and ensure you understand what is being asked.
   • Identify key terms (e.g., “analyze,” “evaluate,” “compare”) to determine what kind of response is expected.
   • Do not get sidetracked by discussing things that may be interesting but are irrelevant to the question.
2. Formatting and Submission Requirements
   • Title Page: Your paper must include the standard MBS title page with your name, course, subject, date, topic, and word count.
   • Word Count: Footnotes are included in the word count, but citations and bibliography are not.
   • Referencing: Follow the Society for Biblical Literature (SBL) format for footnotes and bibliography. Use Zotero or another referencing software to format citations correctly.
   • Late Submissions: Marks may be deducted for late submissions. Requests for extensions must be directed to the registrar, and the required form must be completed.
3. Developing a Strong Argument
   • Your paper must have a clear thesis statement (central argument) stated early in the introduction.
   • Write in connected prose with a logical progression of thought—do not use bullet points.
   • Every paragraph should contribute to answering the question.
   • Provide evidence for every claim — do not just assert a point but prove it with biblical references and scholarly sources.
   • Engage critically — do not just summarise material, but analyse and interact with it.
4. Engaging with Biblical Texts
   • The primary focus should be the biblical text — engage directly with relevant passages.
   • Ensure you always provide biblical references when you refer to the text of Scripture.
   • Consider the historical, literary, and theological context when interpreting Scripture.
   • Use proper exegetical methods — pay attention to word meanings, structure, and flow of argument in the biblical text.
5. Using Secondary Literature
   • Engage with a range of scholarly sources, including monographs, commentaries, and journal articles.
   • Unacceptable sources include blog posts, internet articles, and Wikipedia.
   • Stronger answers will demonstrate interaction with a variety of scholarly perspectives. Indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with different positions.
   • Always acknowledge and cite all reference materials, including lecture notes.
6. Structure of the Paper
   • Introduction (10%): Clearly introduce the topic, state the thesis, and outline the structure of your paper.
   • Main Body (80%): Present your argument in logically ordered sections, with clear topic sentences and supporting evidence.
   • Conclusion (10%): Summarize your key findings and restate how they answer the research question. Do not introduce new arguments here.
7. Clarity and Writing Quality
   • Write in formal academic English — avoid conversational tone and personal opinions unless required.
   • Keep sentences clear and concise — avoid overly complex or vague writing.
   • Proofread your work for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors before submission.
   • It is suggested that you use software such as Grammarly to ensure correct spelling and grammar.
   • Read your essay aloud or have someone else review it to check for clarity.
8. Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
   • Plagiarism is strictly prohibited—this includes the use of AI software such as ChatGPT to generate content.
   • All reference materials must be acknowledged and cited correctly.
   • Failure to properly cite sources will result in penalties.
9. Avoiding Common Pitfalls
   • Failing to answer the question – Stay focused on the set topic and structure your argument accordingly.
   • Merely summarizing sources – Your task is to critically engage with the material, not just repeat what others have said.
   • Superficial engagement with the biblical text – Always ground your argument in Scripture with proper exegesis.
   • Poor referencing – Ensure all citations follow SBL style and are formatted correctly.
   • Last-minute writing – Start early to allow time for research, reflection, and revision.

Class Schedule

Required Textbooks

• Carson, D. A., and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament. Second edition. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2005.
• Beale, G. K., and Benjamin L. Gladd. The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the NewTestament. Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, 2020.

Recommended Reading

• Barnett, P., Jesus and the Rise of Early Christianity: A History of New Testament Times (Downers Grove: IVP, 1999).
• Bird, Michael F. Introducing Paul: The Man, His Mission and His Message. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008.
• Bruce, F. F. Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Carlisle, Cumbria, UK : Grand Rapids, MI: Paternoster; Eerdmans, 2000.
• Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo, Andrew David Naselli, and D. A. Carson. Introducing the New Testament: A Short Guide to Its History and Message. Abridged ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010.
• DeSilva, David Arthur. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods & Ministry Formation. Downers Grove, Ill. : Leicester, England: InterVarsity; Apollos, 2004.
• Guthrie, Donald. New Testament Introduction. 4th rev. ed. The Master Reference Collection. Downers Grove, Ill: Inter-Varsity, 1990.
• Hawthorne, Gerald F., Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid, eds. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters.
  Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity, 1993.
• Longenecker, Bruce W., and Todd D. Still. Thinking Through Paul: An Introduction to His Life, Letters,
  and Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014.
• Marshall, Ian Howard. New Testament Interpretation: Essays on Principles and Methods. Exeter: The
  Paternoster, 1979.
• Marshall, I, Howard. New Testament Theology: Many Witnesses, One Gospel. Downers Grove, Ill:
  InterVarsity, 2004.
• Piper, John. The Future of Justification: A Response to N.T. Wright. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Books, 2007.
• Schreiner, Thomas R. The King in His Beauty: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013.
• Westerholm, Stephen. Justification Reconsidered: Rethinking a Pauline Theme. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2013.