DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide a basic introduction to the New Testament texts Acts through Revelation with major emphasis given to the letters of Paul. Attention will be given to the historical contexts of these documents as well as their respective theologies. Consideration will also be given to how these writings apply to the church today, especially in a Hispanic setting.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course should enable students to (1) better understand the historical issues associated with Acts-Revelation; (2) better understand the theological issues that arise in Acts-Revelation; (3) become more skilled in reading Acts-Revelation theologically in light of their own culture; (4) understand more clearly the nature of the New Testament as both human word and Holy Scripture; (5) develop a passion for reading Acts-Revelation; and (6) utilize Acts-Revelation more effectively in their ministries.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: An intimate understanding of Acts-Revelation is essential for Christian preaching and teaching. This literature provides a foundation for a biblical theology which is essential to Christian thought and practice. This literature also provides an opportunity for one to reflect upon its meaning for the church in light of various hermeneutical procedures. The study of these writings should increase one's understanding of the nature and authority of Scripture, one's commitment to the teachings of the New Testament, and one's passion for reading the New Testament.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will consist of lectures and discussion based upon the primary and secondary readings. Class will meet once a week in three-hour sessions during the quarter.

REQUIRED READING:

The New Testament documents studied in this course (Acts-Revelation).

Brown, Raymond E. Introducción al Nuevo Testamento. Trans. Antonio Piñero. 2 vols. Madrid: Editorial Trota, 2002.

Ladd, G. E. Teología del Nuevo Testamento.. Terrassa, Barcelona: Editorial Clie, 2002.

Vidal, Senén. Las cartas originales de Pablo. Madrid: Editorial Trota, 1996.

Aune, David A. El Nuevo Testamento en su entorno literario. Trans. Blanca Avalos Cadena. Biblao: Desclée de Brouwer, 1993.

Bruce, F. F. Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1977.

Meeks, Wayne A. Los primeros cristianos urbanos: El mundo social de san Pablo. Salamanca: Sígueme, 1988.

Murphy-O'Connor, Jerome. Paul the Letter-Writer: His World, His Options, His Skills. Good News Studies 41. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 1995.

1. A paper of 3000 words dealing with a topic related to Paul and his letters (30% of the grade).

2. A paper of 1500 words dealing with the theology of a pertinent New Testament document (20% of the grade).

3. Occasional reports on some of the assigned reading (10% of the grade).

4. Midterm and final exam (40% of the grade).