DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the four gospels. This course gives an overview of origins of the Gospels, the relationship between them, their contents, purposes, theology and individual theological distinctives, historical settings, relationship to early Christian communities, and use for understanding the historical Jesus.

A basic understanding of the Gospels and of the results of scholarly study of the Gospels is essential to Christian ministry, whose focus is the person and work of Jesus Christ to whom the Gospels witness.

Lectures with interaction from students. Timely reading of the assigned texts is essential for this format. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels, Greek-English, 9th ed. United Bible Societies, 1987.
OR the same synopsis in English only.

Bockmuehl, Markus. This Jesus. Martyr, Lord, Messiah. InterVarsity Press, 1994.

Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 1993.

Green, J.B. and McKnight, S. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. Downers Grove/Leicester: InterVarsity, 1992.

Johnson, Luke T. The Writings of the New Testament. An Interpretation. Fortress, 1986, pp. 1-240.

Kümmel, W. G. Introduction to the New Testament. 17th ed. Trans. H. C. Kee. Nashville/New York: Abingdon, 1989.

Ladd, G. E. A Theology of the New Testament. Eerdmans, rev. ed., 1993.

Three examinations on the lectures and reading materials.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament 1 (NT1).

Yes.