DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to the study of the book of
Acts, the letters of the New Testament, and the book of Revelation. Questions
such as the authorship, purpose, structure, date, and occasion of each of these
documents are considered insofar as they aid our understanding of the New
Testament and contribute to our grasp of the theology of each of these
documents. These writings, which proclaim the good news of Messiah Jesus, will
be studied in historical context, beginning with important figures and
developments in the "intertestamental" period.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1)
a fundamental knowledge of the content of the NT documents studied in this part
of the course; (2) an acquaintance with a range of cultural and historical
matters that may inform our understanding of them; (3) an understanding of some
of the factors contributing to the growth and development of the early church,
the various struggles it faced, and the theological positions that emerged as a
result; and (4) an appreciation of how these documents bear witness to the
Risen Lord.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: An understanding of these documents is foundational
for developing a biblically informed theology that equips one for preaching and
teaching, for thinking carefully and creatively about Christian faith in
today's world, and for faithful Christian discipleship.
COURSE FORMAT: Lectures and discussion of the assigned primary and secondary
readings. The class meets for four hours daily over a period of two weeks
(i.e., in the intensive format).
REQUIRED READING: