NS501
Scholer
NS501: NEW TESTAMENT 2: ACTS-REVELATION. David M. Scholer.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course is a general introduction to the New Testament texts
from Acts through Revelation with major emphasis given to the letters of Paul
and Pauline studies. Attention is given to the first century contexts (Judaism;
Greco-Roman society; early church) of the documents, to the methodological
issues of interpretation, and to the use of these texts in the church
today.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- An understanding of the letters of Paul, the other New Testament
"letters," Acts, and Revelation is essential for Christian teaching and
preaching. This literature provides a foundation for a biblical theology which
is essential to Christian thought and obedient life. This literature also
provides an opportunity for various types of hermeneutical reflection on its
meaning for the church and its life today.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This course will consist of lectures and, hopefully, vigorous
discussion. Class will meet twice weekly for 2-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Aune, D. E. The New Testament in Its Literary Environment.
(Library of Early Christianity.) Philadelphia: Westminster, 1987.
- Banks, R. Paul's Idea of Community. Rev. ed. Peabody: Hendrickson,
1994.
- Cousar, C. B. The Letters of Paul. (Interpreting Biblical Texts.)
Nashville: Abingdon, 1996.
- Meeks, W. A. The First Urban Christians: The Social World of the Apostle
Paul. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1983.
- Murphy-O'Connor, J. Paul the Letter-Writer: His World, His Options, His
Skills. (Good News Studies 41.) Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1995.
- Scholer, D. M. New Testament II: Acts-Revelation/Course Study Guide.
Fuller Theological Seminary, Continuing and Extended Education/School of
Theology, Individualized Distance Learning, [1996]. This notebook is available
from the Fuller Seminary Bookstore.
- The following articles in the Anchor Bible Dictionary (ed.
D. N. Freedman; 6 vols.; New York: Doubleday, 1992) are also required reading:
"Hebrews, Epistle to the": "James, Epistle of"; "John, Epistles of"; "Jude,
Epistle of"; "Luke"; "Luke-Acts, Book of"; "Peter, First Epistle of"; "Peter,
Second Epistle of"; and "Revelation, Book of."
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Ferguson, E. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2nd ed.
Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1993.
- Kümmel, W. G. Introduction to the New Testament. 17th ed.
Trans. H. C. Kee. Nashville/New York: Abingdon, 1975.
- Reumann, J. Variety and Unity in New Testament Thought. (Oxford
Bible Series.) Oxford/New York: Oxford University Press, 1991.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Preparation of a brief essay (4-5 pages) on the theology of either
Hebrews or Revelation.
- Preparation of a detailed structural outline (2-4 pages) of either 1
John or James.
- Take an objective content examination (in class), covering 50 significant
quotations from Acts-Revelation.
- Preparation of a paper (10-12 pages) on Paul and his letters.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament 2 (NT2).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.