DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to the four canonical Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles 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 understanding Jesus and his message, and the development of the early church, but also for Christian teaching and preaching, discipleship, and personal spiritual development.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated (1) familiarity with the historical background, content, structure, and message of the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles; (2) developing skill in the interpretation of these writings as appropriate for effective leadership in various contexts; and (3) the ability to articulate the character of the New Testament Gospels' and the Acts of the Apostles' witness to the significance of Jesus Christ for the life and mission of the church.

COURSE FORMAT: This course is facilitated completely online and does not demand class meetings at a particular time. It will consist of weekly course readings, occasional audio/written lectures, active discussions, and written personal reflection.

REQUIRED READING:

NRSV, TNIV, or CEB Bible: Gospels and Acts.

Barton, Stephen C., ed. The Cambridge Companion to the Gospels. Cambridge University Press, 2006. ISBN: 0521002613. $30.99.

Burridge, Richard. Four Gospels, One Jesus? A Symbolic Reading. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005. ISBN: 0802829805. $12.00.

Shillington, V. George. Introduction to the Study of Acts. London: T & T Clark, 2007. ISBN: 0567030539. $35.00.

Theissen, Gerd. The Shadow of the Galilean: The Quest for the Historical Jesus in Narrative Form. 2d ed. Fortress, 2007. ISBN: 0800639006. $22.00.

Achtemeier, P., J. Green, and M. Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Eerdmans, 2001. ISBN: 0802837174. $40.00.

Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 3rd ed. Eerdmans, 2003. ISBN: 0802822215. $23.00.

Green, Joel B., Scot McKnight, and I. H. Marshall. The Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. InterVarsity Press, 1992. ISBN: 0830817778. $38.00.

1. Active participation in course discussion forums--addresses learning outcomes 1 and 3 (20%)

2. A 3000-word research paper on an assigned topic related to the Synoptic Gospels, the Gospel of John, or the book of Acts--addresses learning outcomes 1 and 2 (40%)

3. Final Objective Exam--addresses learning outcomes 1 and 3 (40%)