Overview
A detailed introduction to Paul’s life and letters and to the setting and thought of other New Testament Epistles with exegesis of selected texts.
This paper provides students with the opportunity to study Pauline theology in detail and in depth. It deals with highly significant interpretative issues in Pauline studies such as Paul's Christology, 'In Christ' language, the New Perspective, and justification by faith. It also engages exegetically with a part of Paul's most influential letter, the Epistle to the Romans.
About this paper
| Paper title | The New Testament Epistles |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biblical Studies |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2026 (Distance learning) |
| 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
- BIBX 322
- 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
Professor Paul Trebilco: paul.trebilco@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
View more information on the Theology Programme’s website
- Teaching staff
- Lecturer: Professor Paul Trebilco
- Paper Structure
This paper provides a detailed discussion of important themes in Paul's theology and in-depth exegesis of Romans 3:21-7:25.
- Teaching Arrangements
Distance with in-person assessment components (with optional Teaching Day)
Campus: One two-hour lecture per week.
Distance: The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching with one teaching day and four two-hour videoconferences on Zoom spaced throughout the semester. Recordings will be available on Blackboard for students who cannot attend the teaching day live.
- Textbooks
Recommended:
Romans: A Commentary, Gaventa, Beverly Roberts, (New Testament Library) 2024
Or
Romans, Schreiner, Thomas R., (2nd ed., Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2018.- Course outline
- 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:
- Demonstrate understanding of key themes of Pauline theology
- Identify and discuss selected key issues in the interpretation of Paul's letters
- Undertake exegesis of a selected text from Paul's Epistles, employing the appropriate critical tools and methods
- Assessment details
Assessment comprises two essays (25% each) and a two-hour exam (50%).
Overview
A detailed introduction to Paul’s life and letters and to the setting and thought of other New Testament Epistles with exegesis of selected texts.
This paper provides students with the opportunity to study Pauline theology in detail and in depth. It deals with highly significant interpretative issues in Pauline studies, such as Paul's Christology, "In Christ" language, the New Perspective and justification by faith. It also engages exegetically with a part of Paul's most influential letter, the Epistle to the Romans.
About this paper
| Paper title | The New Testament Epistles |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biblical Studies |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1
(Distance learning)
Semester 1 (On campus) |
| 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
- BIBX 322
- 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
- More information link
View more information on the Theology Programme’s website.
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
This paper provides a detailed discussion of important themes in Paul's theology and an in-depth exegesis of Romans 3:21-7:25.
- Teaching Arrangements
Campus: one 2-hour lecture per week.
Distance: the distance learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote (four 2-hour videoconferences on Zoom) and one optional in-person teaching day spaced throughout the semester. Recordings will be available on Aoroa for students who cannot attend the teaching day live.
- Textbooks
Recommended:
Gaventa, B. R. (2024). Romans: A Commentary.
or
Schreiner, T. R. (2018). Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Romans (2nd ed.).- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy.
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:
- Demonstrate understanding of key themes of Pauline theology.
- Identify and discuss selected key issues in the interpretation of Paul's letters.
- Undertake exegesis of a selected text from Paul's Epistles, employing the appropriate critical tools and methods.
- Assessment details
Assessment comprises two essays (25% each) and a two-hour exam (50%).