NS501
Myers
NS501: NEW TESTAMENT 2: ACTS-REVELATION. William H. Myers.
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 these documents, to the methodological
issues of interpretation, ad 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, preaching,
and ethics. Theological and hermeneutical reflection on these documents will
greatly aid the student toward that end.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This course will meet daily for two weeks for four-hour sessions.
Class meetings will combine lectures, video tapes, discussion, individual
and/or group assignments.
REQUIRED READING:
- Barrett, C. K. Paul: An Introduction to His Thought.
Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1994.
- Felder, Cain Hope. Troubling Biblical Waters: Race, Class, and
Family. Maryknoll, Orbis, 1989.
- Jewett, Robert. Saint Paul at the Movies: The Apostle's Dialogue with
American Culture. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1993.
- Pregeant, Russell. Engaging the New Testament: An Interdisciplinary
Introduction. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995.
- Course Reader.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.
- Ferguson, E. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2nd ed. Eerdmans,
1993.
- Longenecker, Richard N., ed. The Road from Damascus: The Impact of
Paul's Conversion on His Life. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans,
1997.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Preparation of a brief essay (4-5 pages) on a recent movie and Paul's
thought following the format in Jewett's book. Due Monday of second week.
- Preparation of a brief essay (5-7 pages) on Paul's call and your call.
Essay must reflect readings and reflections of articles by Myers, Stendahl, and
Corley (in the course reader). Due Friday of first week.
- Final exam or major research paper (10-12 pages) on issue of race, justice,
class, freedom, or family as discussed in Felder's book using Acts, Galatians,
James, or a Pauline letter. Due one week after class ends.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament 2 (NT2).
FINAL EXAMINATION
- Yes (optional).