ACOM / Study / Units / B5152C The Synoptic Gospels

B5152C The Synoptic Gospels

This unit of study will examine the accounts of Jesus found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These are commonly called the synoptic gospels because the way in which the story is presented is similar.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Diploma

Unit Availability

Trimester 2

Study Mode

No Facilitation, In Person Facilitation (QLD)

Placement

N/A

Tuition

Diploma BTM Fee

Prerequisite

9cp in Biblical Studies

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Location Facilitator
Trimester 2 2025 In Person Facilitation
(QLD)
9am – 5pm
(AEST)
Day 1: Thursday 5 June
Day 2: Friday 6 June
Day 3: Thursday 17 July
Day 1 & 2:
Springwood Church of Christ, QLD
Day 3: Online
Edwina Blair

Unit Details

Who is Jesus? What are the implications of his life and ministry? What do his death and resurrection mean? Followers of Jesus have been thinking about the answers to these questions for two thousand years. Answering these questions is not a mere academic exercise; Christians firmly believe that the answers should have implications on the manner in which one lives life. Influential biblical scholar Tom Wright comments, “With Jesus, it’s easy to be complicated and hard to be simple. Part of the difficulty is that Jesus was and is much, much more than people imagine.” Students will be challenged to think deeper about who Jesus is and the need to live out these convictions.  

This unit of study will examine the accounts of Jesus found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These are commonly called the synoptic gospels because the way in which the story is presented is similar. Basic exegetical tools will be introduced to the student to aid deep understanding of the Gospel texts. A simple exploration of the cultural world that Jesus lived in will also be provided. 

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Summarise the main contents and socio-historical contexts of the Synoptic Gospels.
  2. Describe the literary forms used in the Synoptic Gospels and the theological themes they convey.
  3. Employ an accepted method in interpreting selected Synoptic Gospel texts.
  4. Engage with relevant secondary literature in the study of the Synoptic Gospels.
  5. Apply insights of the Synoptic Gospels to Christian life or ministry in a specific context. 
  1. Introduction to the life and ministry of Jesus 
  2. Basic research tools and methodologies for the study of the Synoptic Gospels 
  3. Introduction to the work of influential biblical scholars  
  4. Overview of significant events that formed the earthly ministry of Jesus 
  5. Exploration of what his life and ministry means for the 21st century 
  1. Facilitation Assessment (15%)
    Word Limit: 600
    Due: Week 3
    OR
    Integrated Learning Portfolio (15%)
    Word Limit: 1900
    Due: Week 3, 6, 10
  2. Map Exercise (10%)
    Due: Week 5
  3. Short Answer Questions (20%)
    Word Limit: 1000
    Due: Week 7
  4. Interactive Parable Exercise (15%)
    Word Limit: 800
    Due: Week 8
  5. Essay (40%)
    Word Limit: 1600
    Due: Week 12
  • Wright, N.T. Simply Jesus. New York: HarperCollins, 2011.

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Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

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Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

As a relatively young person in an employed ministry position, I have greatly benefited from my degree of Bachelor of Ministry and have observed my growth through undergoing studies. While studying and working full time in ministry, I have found that each unit, in some way or another, is relevant to my job whether that be learning to preach or growing my Biblical literacy skills. Through working full-time in ministry, I have found that the online content and structures of my studies allows me to be flexible in structuring my learning around my busy ministry schedule. Each week I am able to accommodate my studies to fit my needs based on my schedule demands.
Libby Hall – Bachelor of Ministry

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