DESCRIPTION: This course is a general introduction to the New Testament texts from Acts through Revelation with major emphasis given to the letters of Paul and Pauline studies. Attention is given to the first-century contexts (Judaism; Greco-Roman society; early church) of these documents, to the methodological issues of interpretation, and to the use of these texts in the church today.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE & MINISTRY: An understanding of the letters of Paul, the other NT "letters," Acts, and Revelation is essential for Christian teaching, preaching, and ethics. Theological and hermeneutical reflection on these documents will greatly aid the student toward that end.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students should be able (1) to demonstrate familiarity with the historical background, content, structure, and message of the writings from Acts through Revelation; (2) to demonstrate developing skill in the interpretation of these writings as appropriate for effective leadership in various contexts; (3) to articulate the character of the Acts of the Apostles, the NT letters, and the Apocalypse of John as witnesses to the significance of Jesus Christ for the life and mission of his church; (4) to understand the significance of Paul the man, the author and theologian on the New Testament documents; and (5) to be exposed to some different interpretive lenses on the New Testament documents.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet daily for two weeks for four-hour sessions. Class meetings will combine lectures, video tapes, discussion, individual and/or group assignments.

REQUIRED READING:

Barrett, C. K. Paul: An Introduction to His Thought. Westminster/John Knox, 1994.

Blount, Brian K. Can I Get a Witness? Reading Revelation through an African American Lens. Westminster John Knox, 2005

Jewett, Robert. Saint Paul at the Movies: The Apostle's Dialogue with American Culture. Westminster/John Knox, 1993.

Longenecker, Richard N., ed. The Road from Damascus: The Impact of Paul's Conversion on His Life. Eerdmans, 1997.

Pregeant, Russell. Engaging the New Testament: An Interdisciplinary Introduction. Fortress, 1995.

*Blount, Brian K., ed. True to our Native Land: An African American Commentary on the New Testament. Fortress, 2007

*Braxton, B. R. No Longer Slaves: Galatians & the African American Experience. Liturgical Press, 2002.

  Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Eerdmans, 1998.

  Jewett, Robert. Paul, the Apostle to America. Westminster/John Knox, 1994.

  Johnston, Robert K. Reel Spirituality. Baker Academic, 2000.

*Williams, Demetrius K. An End to This Strife: The Politics of Gender in African American Churches. Fortress, 2004.