DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to the Acts of the Apostles, the letters of the New Testament, and the Apocalypse of John in their historical, literary, and canonical context. In addition to addressing the authorship, date, structure, purpose, and themes of these books, the course will also address the theological contributions these books make to the Christian faith.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: A greater understanding and appreciation of these New Testament texts is not only essential for Christian teaching and preaching, but for discipleship, personal spiritual development, and creative theological reflection demanded by today's ever changing world.

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; and (3) to articulate the character of the Acts of the Apostles, the NT letters, and the Apocalypse of John as witnessed to the significance of Jesus Christ for the life and mission of the church.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted via the Internet on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller's academic calendar. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through course readings, lecture notes, active discussions, and written personal reflection that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING:

NRSV or TNIV Bible: Acts-Revelation.

Achtemeier, P., J. Green, and M. Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Eerdmans, 2001. ISBN: 0802837174. $40.

Bassler, Jouette M. Navigating Paul: An Introduction to Key Theological Concepts. Westminster John Knox, 2007. ISBN: 0664227414. $20.

Bauckham, Richard. The Theology of the Book of Revelation. New Testament Theology. Cambridge University Press, 1993. ISBN: 9780521356916. $26.99.

Longenecker, Bruce W. The Lost Letters of Pergamum: A Story from the New Testament World. Baker, 2002. ISBN: 0801026075. $17.99.

Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 3rd ed. Eerdmans, 2003. ISBN: 0802822215. $23.

Hawthorne, Gerald F., and Ralph P. Martin, eds. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. InterVarsity Press, 1993. ISBN: 0830817786. $38.

Martin, Ralph P., and Daniel G. Reid. The Dictionary of the Later New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1997. ISBN: 0830817794. $38.

1. Active participation in course discussion forums--addresses learning outcomes 1 and 3 (25%)

2. Weekly journal relating the course content to selected NT texts, demonstrating critical thought and reflection--addresses learning outcomes 2 and 3 (25%)

3. One 3000-word research paper on an assigned topic related to Paul, the Johannine letters, or Revelation--addresses learning outcomes 1 and 2 (25%)

4. Final Essay Exam--addresses learning outcomes 1 and 3 (25%)