This graduate-level course surveys the New Testament canon, analyzing each book's historical context, literary structure, theological contributions, and role in God's redemptive narrative, using Michael J. Kruger's A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament as the primary framework. It integrates historical-critical and biblical-theological approaches to equip students with advanced hermeneutical skills for exegesis and ministry application.
NT233
Introduction to New Testament
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Apply NowDates
10 weeks
Workload
10 hours per week
Class
Mon 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Online and in-person
Location
Meadowbrook, Logan Queensland Australia
Tuition Fees
Enrol AUD $1,440
Audit fee is 50% of tuition fees
12-week payment plans available
Applications close
18 Jul 2025 at 5:00 pm AEST
Course Overview
This graduate-level course comprehensively surveys the New Testament canon (Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation), examining each book's historical context, literary structure, theological contributions, and canonical function within God's redemptive narrative. Using Michael J. Kruger's A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized as our primary framework; students will explore how the New Testament reveals the fulfilment of God's promises through Christ's person and work.
The course integrates historical-critical methodologies with biblical-theological interpretation, preparing students for advanced exegetical work and faithful ministry application. Through rigorous textual analysis, theological synthesis, and scholarly engagement, students will develop sophisticated hermeneutical skills essential for interpreting and proclaiming the New Testament in contemporary contexts.
Please note that this course is a part of the Professional Credential in Theology program. Explore the full program to see how this course sits within the wider course of study.
Course Learning Objectives
1
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historical, cultural, and literary contexts of all 27 New Testament books
2
Articulate the distinctive theological contributions of each major section (Gospels, Acts, Pauline Corpus, General Epistles, Revelation)
3
Explain the development and significance of the New Testament canon.
4
Apply appropriate exegetical methodologies to interpret New Testament texts within their historical and canonical contexts
5
Synthesize biblical-theological themes across the New Testament corpus
6
Critically evaluate contemporary interpretive approaches using sound hermeneutical principles
7
Integrate New Testament theology with systematic and practical theology for ministry contexts
8
Demonstrate how the New Testament's witness to Christ informs contemporary Christian faith and practice
9
Communicate New Testament insights effectively in both academic and pastoral settings
Course Details
Applications close
18 Jul 2025 at 5:00 pm AEST
Timeframe
28 Jul - 29 Sep 2025
Lecture times
Monday 5:30 PM ⎯ 7:00 PM
Location
Meadowbrook, Logan Queensland Australia
Duration
10 weeks
Workload
10 hours per week
Credits
2
Tuition Fees
Enrol AUD $1,440
Audit fee is 50% of tuition fees
Assessment
Required Reading
Weekly reflections on Kruger readings and Bible readings across 10 weeks
Due Date
Ongoing
Est. Hours
TBC
Weight
10%
Lecture Attendance & Participation
Weekly attendance and in-class participation across 10 weeks
Due Date
Ongoing
Est. Hours
10
Weight
10%
Mid-term Research Paper
Due Date
2025-08-25T23:59:00
Est. Hours
TBC
Weight
10%
Final Research Paper
Due Date
2025-09-15T23:59:00
Est. Hours
TBC
Weight
40%
Viva Voce Oral Defence
Due Date
2025-09-22T23:59:00
Est. Hours
TBC
Weight
30%
About the Lecturer
A strategic ecclesiologist, he has pastored, planted, and revitalised churches in Australia and the United States, leading high-risk mission trips among unreached peoples. Through worldwide seminars, networks, and conferences, Dr. Ireland delivers theological depth, pastoral warmth, and prophetic clarity, fostering church faithfulness and renewal in turbulent times. Holding a Doctor of Education (University of the Cumberlands, USA), Doctor of Ministry (Columbia International University, USA), M.A. in Theology (University of Chester, UK), and B.A. in Theology (Charles Sturt University, Australia), his doctoral research examined leadership, innovation in theological education, and adult learning theories. At the Haddon Institute, he lectures in theology and worldview, leads Spurgeon symposia on spiritual warfare and missional advance, and has authored works such as By Grace Alone (an updated All of Grace) and No Higher Calling: Shepherding God's People According to Paul. Married to Katarina for over 22 years and father to four, he embodies conviction and compassion in scholarship and shepherding.
Lecture Content
1
Foundations: Canon, Context, and Method
Establish hermeneutical foundations and historical framework for New Testament study
Date
28 Jul 2025
2
The Synoptic Gospels: One Gospel, Three Witnesses
Understand the unity and diversity of the Synoptic presentation of Jesus as Messiah
Date
4 Aug 2025
3
John and Acts: Divine Identity and Mission
Explore Johannine Christology and Luke's theology of mission
Date
11 Aug 2025
4
Paul's Major Epistles: The Heart of Christian Theology
Master Paul's central theological contributions to Christian doctrine
Date
18 Aug 2025
5
Paul's Prison and Pastoral Epistles
Examine Paul's mature theological reflection and pastoral wisdom
Date
25 Aug 2025
6
Hebrews: Christ as the Perfect High Priest
Understand Hebrews' sophisticated argument for Christ's superiority
Date
1 Sep 2025
7
The General Epistles: Diverse Voices, Common Faith
Appreciate the theological diversity and unity within the General Epistles
Date
8 Sep 2025
8
Revelation: The Gospel's Ultimate Victory
Interpret Revelation's apocalyptic imagery within its historical and canonical context
Date
15 Sep 2025
9
Viva Voce Oral Defence Part I
Demonstrate mastery through oral presentation and peer interaction
Date
22 Sep 2025
10
Viva Voce Oral Defence Part II & Course Synthesis
Complete presentations and integrate course learning
Date
29 Sep 2025