BB001-512 - Introduction to Biblical Theology

  • 2,679 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • biblical studiesUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code BB301. Unit exclusions: BB002-512, BB002-712.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding of the discipline of biblical theology and its uses.

B. Be able to

1. Describe the nature and methods of biblical theology

2. Trace the development of major biblical themes

3. Present Organised evidence-based perspectives on the theory and application of biblical theology

C. Be in a position to

1. Relating perspectives from ‘Introduction to Biblical Theology’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry contexts

Content

There are three major sections to the unit content:

Part A: The Methodology of Biblical Theology

  1. Understanding the discipline of biblical theology

(defining biblical theology and its key terms) and its relationship to other theological disciplines (eg systematic theology, hermeneutics and exegesis.

  1. How the nature of Scripture informs a view of biblical theology
  2. Exploring different models of biblical theology (Christocentric, Christological, Christotelic etc.)

Part B: The Content of Biblical Theology

The content of biblical theology is designed to explain the progression of events within the unfolding revelation of the Scriptures.

  1. Creation, sin, and the effects of the fall (e.g. Genesis 1-11)
  2. The Abrahamic covenant (e.g. Genesis 12, 15, 18)
  3. The exodus event and the Sinaitic covenant (e.g. Exodus; Hebrews)
  4. Conquest and settlement (e.g. Judges/Joshua)
  5. Kingship (e.g. 1 and 2 Samuel; 1 Kings 1-12)
  6. The division of the kingdom (e.g. 1 and 2 Kings)
  7. Exile  (e.g. 2 Kings 17; Jeremiah; Ezekiel; Isaiah 40-55)
  8. Return and restoration (e.g. Ezra; Nehemiah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi)
  9. Birth and ministry of Jesus (e.g. Gospels, NT Epistles)
  10. Death and resurrection of Jesus (e.g. Gospels, NT Epistles)
  11. Gospel to the world (e.g. Acts, NT Epistles)
  12. New creation (e.g. Romans 8, 1 Peter 1, Revelation 19-22)

Part C: Six Key Themes in Biblical Theology (analysing and assessing how key themes develop within the progression of biblical theology). For example:

  1. Creation
  2. Redemption
  3. Covenant
  4. Temple
  5. Nations
  6. Kingship and the Kingdom of God

Alternative major themes may include priesthood, eschatology, salvation, election, grace, and the people of God.

Note: this unit is a non-exegesis unit

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Prescribed:

Bartholomew, Craig G. and Goheen, M. W., The Drama of Scripture: Finding our Place in the Biblical Story (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004).

OR

Goldsworthy, G., According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible (Leicester: IVP, 1991).

 

Recommended:

Alexander, T. D. and Gathercole, S., Heaven on Earth: The Temple in Biblical Theology (Carlisle: Paternoster, 2004).

Alexander, T. D. and Rosner, B. (eds). New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (Leicester: IVP, 2000).

Bauckham, R., ‘Reading Scripture as a Coherent Story’ in The Art of Reading Scripture. E. F. Davis & R. B. Hays. Eds. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003).

Beale, G. K., The Right Doctrine from the Wrong Text? Essays on the Use of the Old Testament in the New (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994).

Beale, G. K., The Temple and the Church’s Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God. NSBT 17 (Leicester: Apollos, 2007).

Dempster, Stephen G., Dominion and Dynasty: A Theology of the Hebrew Bible. NSBT 15 (Leicester: Apollos, 2003).

Gibson, R. J., Interpreting God’s Plan: Biblical Theology and the Pastor. Explorations 11 (Adelaide: Open Books, 1997).

Goldsworthy, G., Christ-Centred Biblical Theology: Hermeneutical Foundations and Principles (Nottingham: Apollos, 2012).

Goldsworthy, G., Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture: The Application of Biblical Theology to Expository Preaching (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000).

Griedanus, S., Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999).

Hafemann, S. J., Biblical Theology: Retrospect and Prospect (Downers Grove: IVP, 2002).

Hasel, G. F., ‘Proposals for a Canonical Biblical Theology’, AUSS 34.1 (1996), 23-33.

Johnson, D. E., Him We Proclaim: Preaching Christ From All the Scriptures (Phillipsburg: Presbyterian & Reformed, 2007).

Kostenberger, A., and O’Brien, P. T., Salvation To The Ends of the Earth. NSBT 11 (Nottingham: Apollos, 2001).

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