**Course Title:** New Testament Survey: From Jesus to Revelation
**Course Duration:** 8 Weeks
**Weekly Schedule:** 2 hours/week
**Week 1 – Introduction to the New Testament & Historical Context**
**Reference:** *The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings* by Bart D. Ehrman
– **Hour 1:**
– Historical formation of the New Testament canon.
– Exploration of primary source materials outside of the canon.
– **Hour 2:**
– Setting the stage: The political and cultural world of the Hellenistic era.
– Religious developments: Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and the Zealot movement.
*Week 2 – Life and Teachings of Jesus**
**Reference:** *Jesus: Apocalyptic Prophet of the New Millennium* by Bart D. Ehrman
– **Hour 1:**
– Exploring the birth narratives: Differences and theological implications.
– Jesus’ baptism, temptations, and the beginning of his public ministry.
– **Hour 2:**
– The Kingdom of God: Central message and its implications.
– Miracles, exorcisms, and controversies: Jesus’ ministry in context.
-**Week 3 – The Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, & Luke**
**Reference:** *The Synoptic Problem: A Way Through the Maze* by Mark Goodacre
– **Hour 1:**
– The Markan priority hypothesis: Evidence and scholarly consensus.
– The “Q” document and its significance in synoptic studies.
– **Hour 2:**
– Examination of the unique material in Matthew (M) and Luke (L).
– Christological emphasis in each gospel: Jesus as Messiah, Teacher, and Savior.
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**Week 4 – The Gospel of John & Acts of the Apostles**
**Reference:** *The Gospel of John: A Commentary* by Rudolf Bultmann
– **Hour 1:**
– John’s Gospel: Structure, distinctive signs, and discourses.
– Theological themes: Logos, light and darkness, and the role of “belief.”
– **Hour 2:**
– Overview of Acts: From Jerusalem to Rome.
– Key events: Pentecost, the Council of Jerusalem, and Paul’s encounters with Hellenistic worldviews.
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**Week 5 – Pauline Epistles: Foundation & Theology**
**Reference:** *Paul: In Fresh Perspective* by N.T. Wright
– **Hour 1:**
– Saul of Tarsus: From persecutor to apostle.
– Paul’s worldview: Eschatology, monotheism, and election.
– **Hour 2:**
– Christology in Paul: Adam Christology and the Kyrios title.
– Paul’s understanding of the Church and its mission.
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**Week 6 – Pauline Epistles: Specific Letters & Themes**
**Reference:** *Paul’s Letter to the Romans: A Commentary* by Arland J. Hultgren
– **Hour 1:**
– Romans: Theological masterpiece and its impact on Christian doctrine.
– Themes of justification, Israel’s role, and life in the Spirit.
– **Hour 2:**
– Corinthian correspondence: Addressing a divided church.
– Exploration of Philippians: The Christ Hymn and Paul’s understanding of suffering.
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**Week 7 – General Epistles & Early Christian Thought**
**Reference:** *The Letters of James, Peter, and Jude: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching* by Pheme Perkins
– **Hour 1:**
– The Epistle of James: Faith, works, and wisdom.
– 1 & 2 Peter: Perseverance, suffering, and the role of elders.
– **Hour 2:**
– The Johannine Epistles: Love, antichrists, and community testing.
– Jude and the defense against false teachers.
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**Week 8 – The Book of Revelation: Symbolism & Eschatology**
**Reference:** *Revelation and the End of All Things* by Craig R. Koester
– **Hour 1:**
– Apocalyptic literature: Characteristics and Jewish antecedents.
– Revelation’s prologue and the letters to the seven churches.
– **Hour 2:**
– The visions of John: Seals, trumpets, bowls, and beasts.
– New creation: The New Jerusalem and the consummation of God’s plan.
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