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Overview

A detailed introduction to the study of the Gospels, with exegesis of selected texts.

This paper offers a study of the critical issues and themes of each of the Gospels, of different facets of Jesus' ministry as portrayed in the Gospels, and an exegetical study of passages from Luke and John.

About this paper

Paper title The Gospels (Advanced)
Subject Biblical Studies
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2026 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,103.10
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One 200-level BIBS or BIBX paper
Restriction
BIBS 221, BIBX 221, BIBX 321
Schedule C
Arts and Music, Theology
Eligibility
Any student can study Theology, whether they are of the Christian faith, another faith or of no religious faith at all. Theology is an examination of the scriptures, history, content and relevance of the Christian faith, but it presupposes or requires no Christian commitment from students. All it requires is an inquiring mind and an interest in those skills that can be gained through the study of any subject in the Humanities.
Contact

Prof Paul Trebilco

Teaching staff
Dr Don Moffat
Paper Structure

The paper is divided into modules that cover the nature of the Gospels, themes from each of the four canonical Gospels, a range of Gospel issues and an in-depth discussion of selected passages from the Gospels of Luke and John.

Assessment comprises a major assignment (30%), a minor assignment (10%) and a three-hour exam (60%).

Teaching Arrangements

Distance with in-person assessment components

Campus: One two-hour lecture each week

Distance: One two-hour lecture per week. Distance students participate in the campus classes via Zoom. Students who are unable to join classes can watch recordings at a later time.

Textbooks

G.N. Stanton, The Gospels and Jesus (2nd edition; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002).

Course outline
View the course outline for BIBS 321
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Lifelong learning, Critical thinking.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

When you successfully complete the paper at the 300-level you will be able to:

  • Critically analyse the critical issues associated with the study of each of the Gospels and one theme of significance for each of the Gospels
  • Critically evaluate a range of views about the genre and purpose of the Gospels
  • Exegete selected texts demonstrating advanced skills using established methods of interpretation

Overview

A detailed introduction to the study of the Gospels, with exegesis of selected texts.

This paper offers a study of the critical issues and themes of each of the Gospels, of different facets of Jesus' ministry as portrayed in the Gospels and an exegetical study of passages from Luke and John.

About this paper

Paper title The Gospels (Advanced)
Subject Biblical Studies
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (Distance learning)
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One 200-level BIBS or BIBX paper
Restriction
BIBS 221, BIBX 221, BIBX 321
Schedule C
Arts and Music, Theology
Eligibility

Any student can study Theology, whether they are of the Christian faith, another faith or of no religious faith at all. Theology is an examination of the scriptures, history, content and relevance of the Christian faith, but it presupposes or requires no Christian commitment from students. All it requires is an enquiring mind and an interest in those skills that can be gained through the study of any subject in the Humanities.

Contact

Professor Paul Trebilco

Teaching staff

Dr Don Moffat

Paper Structure

The paper is divided into modules that cover the nature of the Gospels, themes from each of the four canonical Gospels, a range of Gospel issues and an in-depth discussion of selected passages from the Gospels of Luke and John.

Assessment comprises a major assignment (30%), a minor assignment (10%) and a three-hour exam (60%).

Teaching Arrangements

Students participate in classes via Zoom. Those who are unable to join classes can watch recordings at a later time.

Textbooks

G.N. Stanton, The Gospels and Jesus (2nd edition; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002).

Course outline

View the course outline for BIBS 321.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Lifelong learning, Critical thinking.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

When you successfully complete the paper at the 300-level you will be able to:

  • Critically analyse the critical issues associated with the study of each of the Gospels and one theme of significance for each of the Gospels.
  • Critically evaluate a range of views about the genre and purpose of the Gospels.
  • Exegete selected texts demonstrating advanced skills using established methods of interpretation.
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