DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to the New Testament books from
Acts through Revelation. In addition to the primarily historical task of
establishing the authorship, date, provenance, and occasion for the writing of
these books, the course will also embark on the exegetical task of literary and
grammatical analysis. It is hoped that this will lead to a basic understanding
of the theologies of the individual New Testament books, as well as significant
areas of agreement and disagreement among them.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: After successfully completing this course
the student is expected to be aware of contemporary academic discussion
concerning, and be able to present his or her informed position regarding, such
historical questions as the authorship and date of the New Testament books from
Acts through Revelation. Of course, this knowledge about these New
Testament books is intended to be complemented by knowledge of the
writings, that is, their ethical, theological, and historical content. The
student is thus prepared for more advanced courses in New Testament
interpretation, after which he or she can be seen as ready for basic preaching
and teaching from the New Testament.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Any Christian ministry, especially one which involves
preaching or teaching, requires at least a basic knowledge of the New Testament
and its historical and theological background.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will be a combination of lectures, in-class review
of the assigned reading materials, and discussion of questions raised by
students. The class will meet once weekly for three-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING: