DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to the study of Acts of the Apostles, the New Testament letters, and the Apocalypse of John, with particular attention given to the life and theology of the Apostle Paul as well as letter writing in the first century. Attention will also be given to the theology of the other New Testament documents reviewed in this course. For each of these New Testament documents, this course will consider introductory issues such as authorship, purpose, structure, date, occasion, and relevant historical backgrounds.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated (1) the possession of fundamental knowledge concerning the distinct content, theology, and literary features of Acts-Revelation, (2) a basic understanding of first-century letter writing, (3) the ability to use various critical methods to interpret Acts-Revelation and to develop effective theological arguments, and (4) the ability to draw lessons from those books for the preaching of the gospel today.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: A careful study of these New Testament documents, in full consideration of the critical issues such as historical background, literary structure, social setting, and theological debate, is foundational for Christian discipleship, preaching, teaching, and equipping the saints for the building up of the kingdom of God.

COURSE FORMAT: The course meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions, which involve lectures and discussion related to the readings and assignments.

REQUIRED READING:

NRSV: Acts-Revelation

deSilva, David A. An Introduction to the New Testament. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2004 (second half).

McKnight, Scot, and Grant R. Osborne, eds. The Face of New Testament Studies: a Survey of Recent Research. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004 (second half).

Richards, E. Randolph. Paul and First Century Letter Writing: Secretaries, Composition and Collection. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2004.

Achtemeier, Paul, Joel Green, and Marianne Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001.

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

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

Martin, Ralph P., and Peter H. Davids, eds. Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1997.

1. Regular attendance, participation, and preparation for each class by carefully reading the assigned texts.

2. Regular short (1-2 pp.) written "exegetical skill" assignments from deSilva in preparation for class (30%).

3. A critical review essay (3-4 pp.) of Paul and First Century Letter Writing (10%).

4. One research paper (5-8 pp.) on assigned topic (30%).

5. Final examination (in class during exam week) covering lectures and reading (30%).