Introduction to Biblical Theology and Interpretation

Part A: 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

a. Creation, sin, and the effects of the fall (e.g. Genesis 1-11)

b. The Abrahamic covenant (e.g. Genesis 12, 15, 18)

c. The exodus event and the Sinaitic covenant (e.g. Exodus; Hebrews)

d. Conquest and settlement (e.g. Judges/Joshua)

e. Kingship (e.g. 1 and 2 Samuel; 1 Kings 1-12)

f. The division of the kingdom (e.g. 1 and 2 Kings)

g. Exile (e.g. 2 Kings 17; Jeremiah; Ezekiel; Isaiah 40-55)

h. Return and restoration (e.g. Ezra; Nehemiah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi)

i. Birth and ministry of Jesus (e.g. Gospels, NT Epistles)

j. Death and resurrection of Jesus (e.g. Gospels, NT Epistles)

k. Gospel to the world (e.g. Acts, NT Epistles)

l. New creation (e.g. Romans 8, 1 Peter 1, Revelation 19-22)

Part B: Interpreting and Applying the Bible

a. Foundational issues of genre within biblical interpretation.

b. Foundational principles of a biblical interpretation methodology: e.g. textual, historical, cultural, literary features, intertextual, canonical, and biblical-theological issues.

c. Principles of contemporary application.

d. Representative examples from both the Old and New Testaments.

e. How the gospel relates to understanding and interpreting the Bible

This unit expects 150 hours of work from you in total, or around 10-12 hours each week over the semester. This volume of learning includes working through the learning materials and required learning tasks, additional reading and self-directed study, and working on assessment items, and for online units this includes participation in any online forums.