Spring 2005/Pasadena
NS501
Scholer
NS501: NEW TESTAMENT 2: ACTS-REVELATION. David M. Scholer.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course is a general introduction to the New Testament texts
from Acts through Revelation with major emphasis given to the letters of Paul
and Pauline studies. Attention is given to the first-century contexts (Judaism;
Greco-Roman society; early church) of the documents, to the methodological
issues of interpretation and to the use of these texts in the church
today.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- An understanding of the letters of Paul, the other New Testament
"letters," Acts and Revelation is essential for Christian teaching and
preaching. This literature provides a foundation for a biblical theology which
is essential to Christian thought and obedient life. This literature also
provides an opportunity for various types of hermeneutical reflection on its
meaning for the church and its life today. This literature (and course) should
increase one's understanding of the nature and authority of Scripture, one's
commitment to biblical obedience, and one's enthusiasm for reading and
understanding the New Testament.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This course (meeting in two-hour sessions twice a week for the
quarter) will consist of lectures and, hopefully, vigorous discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- Banks, R. Paul's Idea of Community. Rev. ed. Peabody:
Hendrickson, 1994.
- Brown, R. E. An Introduction to the New Testament. (Anchor Bible
Reference Library.) New York: Doubleday, 1997 [pages 97-278; 333-82; 817-30 are
not required].
- Hooker, M. D. Paul: A Short Introduction. Oxford: Oneworld, 2003.
- Horrell, D. An Introduction to the Study of Paul. (Continuum
Biblical Studies Series.) London and New York: Continuum, 2000.
- Scholer, D. M. New Testament II: Acts-Revelation/Course Study Guide.
Fuller Theological Seminary, Continuing and Extended Education/School of
Theology, Individualized Distance Learning, [1996]. This notebook is available
from the Fuller Seminary Bookstore.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Ascough, R. S. What Are They Saying about the Formation of
Pauline Churches? New York/Mahwah, NJ: Paulist, 1998.
- Aune, D. E. The New Testament in Its Literary Environment. (Library
of Early Christianity.) Philadelphia: Westminster, 1987.
- Ferguson, E. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 3d ed. Grand Rapids:
William B. Eerdmans, 2003.
- Murphy-O'Connor, J. Paul the Letter-Writer: His World, His Options, His
Skills. (Good News Studies 41.) Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1995.
- Witherington, B., III. The Paul Quest: The Renewed Search for the Jew of
Tarsus. Downers Grove/Leicester: InterVarsity, 1998.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- A brief essay (4-5 pages) on the theology of either Hebrews
or Revelation.
- A detailed structural outline (2-4 pages) of either 1 John or
James.
- An objective content examination (in class), covering 50 significant
quotations from Acts-Revelation.
- A paper (10-12 pages) on Paul and his letters.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament 2 (NT2).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.