ACOM / Study / Units / B8150C Introduction to the New Testament

B8150C Introduction to the New Testament

This unit introduces students to the critical study of the New Testament, its literary forms, historical and cultural contexts and theological themes.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Trimester 1, Trimester 2

Study Mode

No Facilitation, Online Facilitation, In Person Facilitation (QLD)

Placement

N/A

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Location Facilitator
Trimester 1 2025 Online Facilitation 12:30pm – 3:30pm
(AEDT/AEST)
Thursday 27 February
Thursday 13 March
Thursday 27 March
Thursday 10 April
Thursday 1 May
Online Edwina Blair
Trimester 2 2025 In Person Facilitation
(QLD)
9am – 5pm
(AEST)
Day 1: Monday 2 June
Day 2: Tuesday 3 June
Day 3: Wednesday 16 July
Day 1 & 2:
Springwood Church of Christ, QLD
Day 3: Online
Edwina Blair

Unit Details

This unit introduces students to the critical study of the New Testament, its literary forms, historical and cultural contexts and theological themes.

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

  1. Analyse the major narratives, themes and structures of the books of the New Testament.
  2. Assess the significance of the main historical, social and cultural factors that provided the context of the composition of the New Testament.
  3. Integrate significant secondary literature into a formal critical essay on the text of the New Testament.
  4. Utilise skills of historical-critical exegesis in the interpretation of New Testament texts.
  5. Apply insights from their study to Christian life and ministry within a range of contexts.
  1. Contents of the New Testament
  2. Historical, cultural, political and religious contexts of the New Testament materials
  3. The literary nature of the New Testament
  4. Key methodologies and approaches to Biblical interpretation and critical issues
  5. Developing skills in exegesis and writing an exegetical essay
  6. Identification and analysis of key New Testament themes
  1. Facilitation Assessment (15%)
    Word Limit: 900
    Due: Week 3 & 5
    OR
    Integrated Learning Portfolio (15%)
    Word Limit: 2800
    Due: Week 3, 5, 8, 10, 12
  2. Gospel Analysis (25%)
    Word Limit: 1500
    Due: Week 4
  3. Book Summary Presentation (30%)
    Word Limit: 1800
    Due: Week 7
  4. Essay (30%)
    Word Limit: 1800
    Due: Week 12
  • Elwell, Walter A. and Robert W. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013.

Student Stories

A lot of theology training focuses on helping you know what to do, formation helped me go deeper and learn about who I wanted to become. As someone who learns a lot by doing, the highly practical nature of the ACOM model helped me put theory into practice immediately. The online learning helped me do that in the context I’d grown up in.
Ben Dainton – Graduate Diploma of Arts

Student Stories

My studies at ACOM equipped me to be job-ready by providing the ability to complete my student ministry placement in local churches, allowing me to apply what I was learning directly to real-world situations. The practical elements of the coursework gave me the hands-on experience and confidence needed to step into ministry roles, fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

Admittedly, at first I was nervous about the prospect of Spiritual Formation and what might be involved. But after my first Spiritual Formation retreat, Spiritual Formation very quickly became one of my favourite subjects, and created some of my fondest memories throughout my years studying with ACOM. The relationships I built and the journey I went on with my formation companions, has left a profound impact on my faith, the shaping of who I am, how I lead and my continued involvement in ministry today. I couldn’t recommend Spiritual Formation highly enough as a valuable part of your studies.
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

Student Stories

ACOM's online study options have allowed me to study a theological degree without having to leave my current church setting. The experience of journeying with my formation group has been a huge part of my growth this year.
Simon Cauchi – Bachelor of Theology

Student Stories

Studying with ACOM provided me with a unique and incredible academic experience! ACOM worked with me to deliver a course that benefited and enriched my role in ministry, and that was of great benefit as it meant that I was actively able to apply the material that I had been studying. What stood out for me though while studying with ACOM was how seamlessly spiritual formation was integrated with academic learning. Instead of studying material and writing assessments that had little to do with the complexities of life in ministry, many of the units that I studied were tailored in such a way that I was engaging with God, my heart, and others which led to a deep transformation in my own character and relationship with God. I would highly recommend ACOM to anyone who desires more in their life with God!
Alec Van Bockel – Bachelor of Ministry

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