About The Course

The Bible is an extraordinary compilation of stories, historical accounts, songs, poems, letters, parables, visions, and more. With this rich feast of genres in texts that span hundreds of years also come challenges of understanding and interpretation. While many things in the Bible are clear and straightforward, there are also concepts and issues that are confusing and complex. For that reason, biblical scholars have developed tried and true approaches, methods, and reading habits that can aid anyone in getting the most out of their Bible study.

This course, taught by New Testament scholar Nijay Gupta, introduces the fundamentals of biblical interpretation. He begins with the “why” questions and then methodically presents a basic method for reading the New Testament with its historical, social, literary, and theological features in mind. Gupta uses case studies and modern analogies to illustrate these fundamentals. Viewers will leave this course with many tools and resources to equip them to dive deeper into studying the Bible.

To learn more, check out Nijay Gupta’s course New Testament Studies: Understanding Key Debates.

Presented with Northern Seminary.

Lesson Plan

Basic New Testament Interpretation (Trailer)

Basic New Testament Interpretation (Trailer)
2 - Three Worlds Approach

2 - Three Worlds Approach
3 - The World Behind the Text: The Basics

3 - The World Behind the Text: The Basics
4 - The World Behind the Text: Examples and Resources

4 - The World Behind the Text: Examples and Resources
5 - The World of the Text: The Basics

5 - The World of the Text: The Basics
6 - The World of the Text: Examples and Resources

6 - The World of the Text: Examples and Resources
7 - The World in Front of the Text: The Basics

7 - The World in Front of the Text: The Basics
8 - The World in Front of the Text: Examples and Resources

8 - The World in Front of the Text: Examples and Resources
9 - Common Missteps and Mistakes in Classic Biblical Interpretation

9 - Common Missteps and Mistakes in Classic Biblical Interpretation

Teaching This Course

Nijay Gupta

Bio
Nijay Gupta is a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. Dr. Gupta has been teaching for more than a decade and is a leading scholar in the field of New Testament studies. He is the author of several books, including _The Affections of Christ Jesus: Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology, Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling, Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church, Paul and the Language of Faith_, and _A Beginner's Guide to New Testament Studies._ Dr. Gupta co-chairs the Pauline Theology seminar of the Institute for Biblical Research and serves as a senior translator for the New Living Translation. 

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From students to seasoned pastors and lifelong learners, Seminary Now offers the tools and insights to deepen your faith or enhance your ministry.

Seminary Now is a great resource to have in your church or organizational toolkit. The courses are thoughtfully designed in short, easy-to-digest videos for a well-paced learning experience. Imagine the rich conversations that your team can have when you are learning together from some of the most qualified and engaging Christian voices today!

Carmen Joy Imes
author; Associate Professor of Old Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

Pastors have very busy lives and Seminary Now is perfect for building theological and biblical knowledge and sharpening ministry and cultural engagement skills in a manageable and affordable way. And the fact that Seminary Now is constantly adding new courses means that there is a ready-made context for becoming a lifelong learner. What a gift!

Dr. Nijay K. Gupta
author; Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary

Seminary Now provides a unique combination of deeply researched insights from leading authors presented in a highly approachable format. If you are looking for discipleship, leadership development, or training, it is hard to find video material that more perfectly fills the bill.

Tod Bolsinger
pastor and author; Senior Congregational Strategist and Associate Professor of Leadership Formation, Fuller Theological Seminary

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Tailored for Your Spiritual Journey

From students to seasoned pastors and lifelong learners, Seminary Now offers the tools and insights to deepen your faith or enhance your ministry.

Seminary Now is a great resource to have in your church or organizational toolkit. The courses are thoughtfully designed in short, easy-to-digest videos for a well-paced learning experience. Imagine the rich conversations that your team can have when you are learning together from some of the most qualified and engaging Christian voices today!

Carmen Joy Imes
Author; Associate Professor of Old Testament, Biola University

Pastors have very busy lives and Seminary Now is perfect for building theological and biblical knowledge and sharpening ministry and cultural engagement skills in a manageable and affordable way. And the fact that Seminary Now is constantly adding new courses means that there is a ready-made context for becoming a lifelong learner. What a gift!

Dr. Nijay K. Gupta
Author; Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary

Seminary Now provides a unique combination of deeply researched insights from leading authors presented in a highly approachable format. If you are looking for discipleship, leadership development, or training, it is hard to find video material that more perfectly fills the bill.

Tod Bolsinger
Pastor and author; Senior Congregational Strategist and Associate Professor of Leadership Formation, Fuller Theological Seminary