DESCRIPTION:

This course is an exegetical study of the Greek text of the Acts of the Apostles. The aims of the course are (1) to illuminate the purposes and structure of the book; (2) to explicate its major themes (such as the fulfillment of OT prophecy, the proclamation of the exalted Lord, the mission and message of the early church, the work of the Holy Spirit, the inclusion of the Gentiles in the people of God, and the life and organization of the early church); (3) to evaluate the historical and permanent value of Acts; and (4) to gain direction and inspiration for our ministry.

This account of the early church provides a guide for our preaching, our ministry to the poor, our evangelistic mission, our worship, and our leadership in the church today.

Lectures and discussion will be centered on historical, exegetical, theological, and practical issues related to the text of Acts and the mission of the church. Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Johnson, L. T. The Acts of the Apostles. Sacra Pagina Series 5. Ed. D. Harrington. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1992.

Marshall, I. H. and D. Peterson, eds. Witness to the Gospel: The Theology of Acts. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.

Additional articles supplied in class.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

Gill, D. W. J. and C. Gempf, eds. The Book of Acts in its First Century Setting: Graeco-Roman Setting. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994.

Longenecker, R. N. "The Acts of the Apostles." In The Expositers Bible Commentary. Ed. F. E. Gaebelein. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981.

Marshall, I. H. The Acts of the Apostles. The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1980.

Stott, J. R. W. The Spirit, the Church and the World: The Message of Acts. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1990.

Winter, B. W. and A. D. Clarke, eds. The Book of Acts in its First Century Setting: Ancient Literary Setting. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993.

1. Five 3-4 page (800 words with bibliography) research papers on assigned topics. 50%

2. A personal course journal with reflections on class lectures and discussions. 25%

3. A final exam including (1) translation of pre-selected sections of the Greek text of Acts and (2) essay questions on class sessions and required reading. 25%

NS501 and NE502.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament Exegesis (NTE).

Yes.