DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the study of the New Testament from Acts to Revelation. The major emphasis of this course is on understanding Pauline theology and on developments and contrasts to that theology in the other New Testament documents reviewed in this course. The course will consider introductory issues such as authorship, occasion, structure, and relevant historical background, as well as other interpretive issues that facilitate the use of these texts in the church today.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of this course, students will have a fundamental knowledge of the contents of Acts-Revelation, will see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture, and will appreciate the ways that the authors of these texts expressed beliefs about God, Christ, and the church. Students will gain proficiency in interpreting the New Testament by understanding how the literary, historical, and cultural contexts illuminate the theology of the texts studied in this course.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Better comprehension of the contents and theology of this portion of the New Testament is foundational for faithful witness in today's world. Students will gain additional insight on moving from text to theological reflection on issues facing the modern church.

COURSE FORMAT: Lectures and discussion of the assigned primary and secondary readings. The class meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

NRSV Bible: Acts - Revelation.

Brown, R. E. An Introduction to the New Testament. New York: Doubleday, 1997 (second half).

Sanders, E. P. Paul. Rev. ed. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.

Wright, N. T. The Climax of Covenant. Paperback ed. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993 (chapter 13).

Meeks, Wayne. The First Urban Christians: The Social World of the Apostle Paul. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1983.

Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003.

Hawthorne, Gerald F., and Ralph P. Martin, eds. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

1. Map quiz: identify locations on a map of the Mediterranean and ancient Middle East (10%).

2. Journal containing students' weekly interpretive questions and theological reflections on assigned texts (20% of total grade).

3. Paper (5-8 pp.) that compares and contrasts some aspect of Pauline theology (e.g., Christology, soteriology, etc.) with the theology of either Acts or Hebrews on that point (30%).

4. Final exam (40%).