Winter 2010

NS501

FTX

Davis

NS501 NEW TESTAMENT 2: ACTS TO REVELATION. Jim Davis

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course constitutes an introduction to the nature, structure, and message of the Acts of the

Apostles, the New Testament letters, and the Apocalypse of John in their historical, literary, and

canonical contexts.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY:

This portion of the New Testament informs and forms Christian faith, life, ministry, and proclamation. Familiarity with its content and background provides a crucial foundation for interpretation, teaching, preaching, and pastoral ministry. This course will help to form that foundation for students.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Having successfullycompleted this course, students should be able (1) to demonstrate familiarity with the historicalbackground, genre, 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 witnesses to the significance of Jesus

Christ for the life and mission of his church.

COURSE FORMAT:

A lecture and discussion format will be used with opportunity for questions and interaction in class. Students will be expected to keep their reading current and be prepared for discussion in class.

REQUIRED READING:

Johnson, Luke Timothy. The Writings of the New Testament. Minneapolis: Augsburg/Fortress (Book and CD Rom edition) 2002.

Longenecker. Bruce W. The Lost Letters of Pergamum. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003

Peterson, Eugene. Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination. San Francisco: Harper, 1991

Wiles, Virginia. Making Sense of Paul. Peabody MA: Hendrickson, 2000.

Witherington, Ben, The Paul Quest, InterVarsity Press, 2001

RECOMMENDED READING:

Martin, R.P., G.F. Hawthorne, D.P. Reid, eds. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, IVP, 1993

Martin, R. P., and P.H. Davids, eds. Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments, IVP, 1997

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Readings will be assigned each week. In addition, students will be given written homework assignments that will enable them to interact with the readings and the scriptural text. (33% of grade) 2. Weekly exams on the contents of Acts (33% of grade) 3. One 10-12 page research paper will be due on the final day of class (34% of grade)

PREREQUISITES: None

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: MDiv, MA/BST: NT2; MAT and MACL: NT core requirement.

FINAL EXAMINATION: No

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (05/09)