**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.

**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.

**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.

**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.

**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.

**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.