DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces the nature, structure, and message of the New Testament documents from Romans to Revelation in their historical, literary, and canonical contexts and considers their relevance to subsequent socio-cultural contexts. The course is a companion to (though independent of) NS500, which introduces the four Gospels and Acts.

The character of early Christianity, as reflected in the New Testament documents from Romans to Revelation, provides not only a record of the effect that Jesus Christ had on a portion of the first-century Mediterranean world, but also the authoritative basis for perpetual, thoughtful reassessment of the theology and practice of contemporary Christian faith.

A student successfully completing this course will be able to (1) demonstrate familiarity with the historical background, genre, content, structure, and message of the writings from Romans through Revelation; (2) demonstrate skill in the interpretation of these writings as appropriate for effective leadership in various social and cultural contexts; and (3) articulate the character of the NT letters and the Apocalypse of John as witnesses to the significance of Jesus Christ for the life and mission of his church.

Conducted online, the ten weekly lessons align with Fuller's academic calendar. The course involves reading, writing, research, and weekly interactive discussion with other students and the instructor.

Careful reading of all twenty-two New Testament documents, Romans through Revelation, in either the TNIV or the NRSV. [c. 180 pp.]

deSilva, David A. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Formation. IVP, 2004. [pp. 29-143, 300-307, 449-932 (=618 pp.)]. ISBN-13: 978-0830827466. Pub. Price: $50.00.

Tamez, Elsa. The Scandalous Message of James: Faith Without Works is Dead. Rev. ed.; Crossroad, 2002. [192 pp.]. ISBN: 978-0824519414. Pub. Price: $19.95.

Yinger, Kent L. The New Perspective on Paul: An Introduction. Cascade Books, 2011. [120 pp.] ISBN: 978-1608994632. Pub. Price: $16.00.

Articles on eReserve by (or about) J. Dunn, K. Essex, D. Hagner, B. Metzger, P. Payne, B. Rossing.

Written lectures.

1. Reading of all assigned material, subject to weekly threaded online discussion, based on and designed to aid comprehension of assigned reading (40%)

2. Three papers on assigned topics (2000 words each, maximum) (60%)