Fall 2009/Pasadena
NS501
Toney
NS501: NEW TESTAMENT 2: ACTS-REVELATION. Carl N. Toney.
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.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.
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.
COURSE FORMAT: The course meets weekly for three-and-a-half-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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 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.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
- Regular attendance, participation, and preparation for each class by
carefully reading the assigned texts.
- Regular short (1-2 pp.) written "exegetical skill" assignments from deSilva
in preparation for class (30%).
- A critical review essay (3-4 pp.) of Paul and First Century Letter
Writing (10%).
- One research paper (5-8 pp.) on assigned topic (30%).
- Final examination (in class during exam week) covering lectures and reading
(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. (7/09)