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.

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.

This course will consist of lectures and, hopefully, vigorous discussion. Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Achtemeier, P. J.; J. B. Green; and M. M. Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Grand Rapids/Cambridge, UK: William B. Eerdmans, 2001 [pages 1-51; 245-608 required].

Banks, R. Paul's Idea of Community. Rev. ed. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994.

Horrell, D. An Introduction to the Study of Paul. (Continuum Biblical Studies Series.) London and New York: Continuum, 2000.

Meeks, W. A. The First Urban Christians: The Social World of the Apostle Paul. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1983.

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.

Ascough, R. S. What Are They Saying About the Formation of Pauline Churches? New York/Mahwah, NJ: Paulist, 1998.

Aune, D. E. The New Testament in Its Literary Environment. (Library of Early Christianity.) Philadelphia: Westminster, 1987.

Cousar, C. B. The Letters of Paul. (Interpreting Biblical Texts.) Nashville: Abingdon, 1996.

Ferguson, E. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. 2d ed. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1993.

Murphy-O'Connor, J. Paul the Letter-Writer: His World, His Options, His Skills. (Good News Studies 41.) Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1995.

Witherington, B. III. The Paul Quest: The Renewed Search for the Jew of Tarsus. Downers Grove/Leicester: InterVarsity, 1998.

1. A brief essay (4-5 pages) on the theology of either Hebrews or Revelation.

2. A detailed structural outline (2-4 pages) of either 1 John or James.

3. An objective content examination (in class), covering 50 significant quotations from Acts-Revelation.

4. A paper (10-12 pages) on Paul and his letters.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in New Testament 2 (NT2).