DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to the Acts of the Apostles, the New Testament letters, and the Apocalypse of John. The course gives particular attention to the life and letters of the Apostle Paul. In addition to considering the introductory issues of authorship, date, structure, purpose, and relevant historical background, the course will examine the contents and theologies of these various writings.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: A better understanding and appreciation of these New Testament documents are not only essential for Christian preaching, teaching, discipleship, and spirituality, but also for creative theological thinking to engage today's world.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students should be able (1) to demonstrate familiarity with the historical background, genre, 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.

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

REQUIRED READING:

Achtemeier, P., J. Green, and M. Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Eerdmans, 2001.

Bauckham, Richard. The Theology of the Book of Revelation. New Testament Theology. Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Gorman, Michael J. Reading Paul. Cascade Companions. Cascade, 2008.

Longenecker, Bruce W. The Lost Letters of Pergamum: A Story from the New Testament World. Baker, 2002.

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.

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.

1. One critical book review (1000 words; 15%)

2. Short paper (2000 words) on a Pauline theological theme (25%)

3. Short paper (2000 words) on an assigned NT passage (25%)

4. Final exam covering lectures and readings (35%)