DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide a basic introduction to Acts through Revelation. In addition to the content of these NT documents, it will also explore their contribution to our understanding of early Christian origins, the issues that existed within these early communities, and the theologies of the various documents.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a fundamental knowledge of the content of the NT documents studied in this part of the course; (2) an acquaintance with a range of cultural and historical matters that may inform our understanding of them; (3) an understanding of some of the factors contributing to the growth and development of the early church, the various struggles it faced, and the theological positions that emerged as a result; (4) an ability to read the Bible as formative for Christian discipleship.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Not only is an intimate acquaintance with the New Testament documents essential for Christian teaching and preaching, it also provides the foundation for discipleship, spirituality, and creative theological thinking to meet the challenges of today's world.

COURSE FORMAT: Class will meet once a week for three-and-a-half-hour sessions. The course will consist of lectures, group discussion, and individual reflection. Active participation in class by students is encouraged.

REQUIRED READING:

NRSV Bible: Acts-Revelation.

Achtemeier, P., J. Green, and M. Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Eerdmans, 2001.

Ascough, R. S. What Are They Saying about the Formation of Pauline Churches? Paulist, 1998.

Bauckham, Richard. The Theology of the Book of Revelation. New Testament Theology. Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Skarsaune, Oskar. In the Shadow of the Temple: Jewish Influences on Early Christianity. InterVarsity Press, 2002.

Aune, D. E. The New Testament in Its Literary Environment. Westminster, 1987.

Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Eerdmans, 1997.

Hawthorne, Gerald F., and Ralph P. Martin, eds. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Martin, Ralph P., and Daniel G. Reid. The Dictionary of the Later New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1997.

1. A paper of 1200 words on the theology of Revelation.

2. An outline of 1 Peter.

3. A paper of 3000 words on a topic relating to Paul and his letters.