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.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.

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.

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. ISBN: 0802837174. $40.

Blount, Brian K. Can I Get a Witness? Reading Revelation through African American Culture Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2004. ISBN: 0664228690. $25.00.

Longenecker, Bruce W. The Lost Letters of Pergamum: A Story from the New Testament World. Baker, 2002. ISBN: 0801026075. $17.99.

Bassler, Jouette M. Navigating Paul: An Introduction to Key Theological Concepts. Westminster John Knox, 2007. ISBN: 0664227414. $20.

Donelson, Lewis R. From Hebrews to Revelation: A Theological Introduction. Westminster John Knox, 2000. ISBN: 0664222366. $30.

Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Eerdmans, 1997. ISBN: 0802844235. $40.

Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 3rd ed. Eerdmans, 2003. ISBN: 0802822215. $38.

Hawthorne, Gerald F., and Ralph P. Martin, eds. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. InterVarsity Press, 1993. ISBN: 0830817786. $60.

Martin, Ralph P., and Daniel G. Reid. The Dictionary of the Later New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1997. ISBN: 0830817794. $60.

1. Two short papers on assigned NT passages (2,000 words each; 40%).

2. Three book reviews (3-4 pages each; 30%).

3. A final exam (30%).