DESCRIPTION:

This course focuses on the growth and ministry of the church in the first century as reflected in the New Testament texts of Acts through Revelation. Students will be engaged in historical research and exegetical analysis in order to understand the social and theological challenges faced by the early church. Major emphasis will be given to the ministry and message of Paul.

These texts are canonical: they are accepted by the church as the standard for Christian faith and practice. This course aims to relate these texts to the challenges faced by Christians who seek to serve and lead in the church and society today.

Lectures, discussion, debates, and role play will be designed to draw students into a lively interaction with the primary and secondary texts.

NRSV Bible: Acts-Revelation

Selected sections of the following books related to this course:

Johnson, Luke T. The Writings of the New Testament. Fortress, 1986.

Ladd, George E. A Theology of the New Testament. Rev. ed. Eerdmans, 1993.

Selected articles in the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (ed. Gerald F. Hawthorne and Ralph P. Martin; InterVarsity, 1993).

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

Ferguson, E. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 1992.

1. A 10-page paper on a topic in Pauline studies (suggestions will be given in class).

2. A 7-page paper on a theological theme in Hebrews or Revelation.

3. Three objective quizzes matching biblical quotations and contexts.

4. A final essay exam.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament 2 (NT2).

Yes.