Spring 2009/Pasadena
NS501
Downs
NS501: NEW TESTAMENT 2: ACTS-REVELATION. David J. Downs.
DESCRIPTION: This course constitutes an introduction to the nature, structure,
and message of the Acts of the Apostles, the New Testament letters, and the
Apocalypse of John in their historical, literary, and canonical contexts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students should
be able (1) to demonstrate familiarity with the historical background, content,
structure, and message of the writings from Acts through Revelation; (2) to
demonstrate developing skill in the interpretation of these writings as
appropriate for effective leadership in various contexts; and (3) to articulate
the character of the Acts of the Apostles, the NT letters, and the Apocalypse
of John as witnesses to the significance of Jesus Christ for the life and
mission of his church.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Not only is an intimate acquaintance with the New
Testament documents essential for Christian teaching and preaching, it also
provides the foundation for discipleship, spirituality, and creative
theological thinking to meet the challenges of today's world.
COURSE FORMAT: The course, which consists of lectures and discussion, will
meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- NRSV or TNIV Bible: Acts-Revelation.
- Achtemeier, P., J. Green, and M. Meye Thompson. Introducing the New
Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Eerdmans, 2001.
- Ascough, R. S. What Are They Saying about the Formation of Pauline
Churches? Paulist, 1998.
- Bassler, Jouette M. Navigating Paul: An Introduction to Key Theological
Concepts. Westminster John Knox, 2007.
- Bauckham, Richard. The Theology of the Book of Revelation. New
Testament Theology. Cambridge University Press, 1993.
- Longenecker, Bruce W. The Lost Letters of Pergamum: A Story from the New
Testament World. Baker, 2002.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Donelson, Lewis R. From Hebrews to Revelation: A Theological
Introduction. Westminster John Knox, 2000.
- Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Eerdmans,
1997.
- Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 3rd ed.
Eerdmans, 2003.
- Hawthorne, Gerald F., and Ralph P. Martin, eds. Dictionary of Paul and
His Letters. InterVarsity Press, 1993.
- Martin, Ralph P., and Daniel G. Reid. The Dictionary of the Later New
Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1997.
- Wright, N. T. Paul in Fresh Perspective. Fortress, 2005.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Two short papers on assigned NT passages (2,000 words each; 40%).
- Three book reviews (3-4 pages each; 30%).
- A final exam (30%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament 2
(NT2).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (1/09)