DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to 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 Romans 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 NT letters and the Apocalypse of John as witnesses to the significance of Jesus Christ for the life and mission of the church.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted completely online using a 10-week lesson program aligned with Fuller's academic calendar; it does not demand class meetings at a particular time. It will consist of course readings, lecture notes, active discussions, and written personal reflection.

REQUIRED READING:

NRSV, TNIV, or CEB Bible: Romans-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 (20%)

2. One 3,000-word research paper on an assigned topic related to Paul, the Johannine letters, or Revelation--addresses learning outcomes 1 and 2 (40%)

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