New Testament Survey

Course Title: New Testament Survey

Course Description:

The New Testament Survey course offers an overview of the New Testament, examining its content, historical background, key themes, and theological significance. The course covers the major sections of the New Testament: the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles (Letters), and Revelation. Students will explore the narrative of Jesus Christ, the birth of the early church, and the foundational teachings that shape Christian faith and practice. The course aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the New Testament as a crucial part of the Christian faith and its relevance for contemporary believers.

• Duration: 12 weeks
• Format: Weekly lectures, readings, discussions, quizzes, essays, and a final exam or project
• Credits: 3 Credits
• Assessment Methods: Quizzes, essays, participation in discussions, and a final project or exam

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will:

1. Understand the Structure and Content of the New Testament:
   • Identify and explain the major sections of the New Testament: the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation.
   • Summarize the key events, figures, and teachings within each section.
2. Explore the Historical and Cultural Context of the New Testament:
   • Gain insight into the historical background of the New Testament, including the cultural and political contexts of the first-century Mediterranean world.
   • Understand the significance of the New Testament writings in their original context.
3. Identify Major Themes and Theological Concepts:
   • Recognize key themes such as the kingdom of God, salvation through faith in Christ, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the nature of the church.
   • Analyze the theological significance of these themes and their relevance to the broader biblical narrative.
4. Develop Skills for Interpreting and Applying New Testament Texts:
   • Learn basic principles of biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) as they apply to the New Testament.
   • Apply New Testament teachings to contemporary Christian life and practice.
5. Engage with the Relevance of the New Testament for Today:
   • Reflect on the relevance of the New Testament for modern faith and ethics.
   • Articulate the continuing significance of the New Testament in the overall narrative of the Bible.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Introduction to the New Testament

• Topics:
  • Overview of the New Testament: Definition, Purpose, and Structure
  • The New Testament as Sacred Scripture: Inspiration and Authority
  • Key Themes: Kingdom of God, Salvation, Role of the Holy Spirit
• Assignments: Introductory reading on the New Testament; reflection paper on the importance of the New Testament in the Christian faith

Week 2: The Gospels: Matthew and Mark

• Topics:
  • Overview of Matthew: Jesus as the Promised Messiah, Teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven
  • Overview of Mark: Jesus as the Suffering Servant, Emphasis on Discipleship and Authority
  • Key Themes: Fulfillment of Prophecy, Discipleship, Suffering, and Faith
• Assignments: Reading on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7); discussion on the portrayal of Jesus as the Suffering Servant in Mark

Week 3: The Gospels: Luke and John

• Topics:
  • Overview of Luke: Jesus’ Compassion for the Outcast, The Role of the Holy Spirit, Emphasis on Prayer
  • Overview of John: The Divinity of Christ, Signs and Miracles, “I Am” Statements
  • Key Themes: Salvation for All, The Holy Spirit, Belief in Jesus as the Son of God
• Assignments: Essay on the role of the Holy Spirit in Luke; quiz on the “I Am” statements in John

Week 4: Acts of the Apostles

• Topics:
  • Overview of Acts: The Birth of the Church, The Spread of the Gospel, The Role of the Apostles
  • Key Themes: The Holy Spirit, Mission, Community, Persecution and Expansion of the Church
  • Major Figures: Peter, Paul, Stephen, Philip
• Assignments: Reflection on the significance of Pentecost; group discussion on the missionary journeys of Paul

Week 5: Pauline Epistles: Romans and Corinthians

• Topics:
  • Overview of Romans: Justification by Faith, The Righteousness of God, Life in the Spirit
  • Overview of 1 & 2 Corinthians: Church Issues, Spiritual Gifts, The Resurrection
  • Key Themes: Grace, Faith, Unity, Christian Conduct, and Resurrection Hope
• Assignments: Essay on the concept of justification by faith in Romans; quiz on the issues addressed in 1 Corinthians

Week 6: Pauline Epistles: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians

• Topics:
  • Overview of Galatians: Freedom in Christ, Justification Apart from the Law
  • Overview of Ephesians: Unity in the Body of Christ, Spiritual Warfare
  • Overview of Philippians: Joy in Suffering, The Humility of Christ
  • Overview of Colossians: The Supremacy of Christ, Christian Living
• Assignments: Group presentation on the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians; reflection on the theme of joy in Philippians

Week 7: Pauline Epistles: Thessalonians and the Pastoral Epistles

• Topics:
  • Overview of 1 & 2 Thessalonians: The Return of Christ, Encouragement in Persecution
  • Overview of the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus): Church Leadership, Sound Doctrine, Pastoral Care
  • Key Themes: Eschatology, Encouragement, Leadership, and Faithfulness
• Assignments: Essay on the second coming of Christ in Thessalonians; discussion on leadership qualities in the Pastoral Epistles

Week 8: General Epistles: Hebrews and James

• Topics:
  • Overview of Hebrews: Christ as the High Priest, The Superiority of the New Covenant
  • Overview of James: Faith and Works, Practical Christian Living, Wisdom
  • Key Themes: Faith, Perseverance, The Superiority of Christ, and Practical Christianity
• Assignments: Quiz on the Old Testament references in Hebrews; reflection on the relationship between faith and works in James

Week 9: General Epistles: 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, Jude

• Topics:
  • Overview of 1 & 2 Peter: Suffering for Christ, False Teachers, The Day of the Lord
  • Overview of 1, 2, & 3 John: Love, Truth, Assurance of Salvation
  • Overview of Jude: Contending for the Faith, Warnings Against False Teachers
  • Key Themes: Endurance, Holiness, Love, Truth, and Protection Against False Teachings
• Assignments: Essay on the concept of holiness in 1 Peter; group discussion on the theme of love in 1 John

Week 10: The Book of Revelation

• Topics:
  • Overview of Revelation: Apocalyptic Literature, Visions of the End Times, The Final Victory of Christ
  • Key Themes: God’s Sovereignty, The Return of Christ, Judgment, and New Creation
  • Major Symbols and Interpretations: The Seven Churches, The Beast, The New Jerusalem
• Assignments: Reflection on the message to the seven churches; essay on the symbolism in the Book of Revelation

Week 11: Theological Themes and Relevance of the New Testament

• Topics:
  • Major Theological Themes: The Kingdom of God, Salvation, The Role of the Church, Eschatology
  • The Relevance of the New Testament for Contemporary Faith and Practice
  • The Continuity Between the Old and New Testaments
• Assignments: Final project on a selected New Testament theme; course review and feedback

Week 12: Review and Final Project

• Topics:
  • Review of Key Concepts and Doctrines
  • Final Discussions and Q&A
  • Preparation for the Final Exam or Project
• Assignments: Final exam or project presentation on a selected New Testament theme; course evaluation and feedback

Benefits of the Course:

1. Deepen Understanding of the New Testament: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the New Testament’s structure, content, and key themes, enhancing their knowledge of the Bible as a whole.
2. Develop Skills for Biblical Interpretation: The course provides foundational skills for interpreting New Testament texts, equipping students to engage with Scripture thoughtfully and accurately.
3. Explore the Historical and Cultural Context: Understanding the historical background of the New Testament will help students appreciate the context of biblical events and teachings.
4. Connect New Testament Teachings to Modern Life: Students will learn how the teachings and themes of the New Testament continue to be relevant for contemporary faith, providing wisdom and guidance for today’s challenges.
5. Prepare for Further Biblical Studies: This course serves as a foundation for further study in biblical theology, exegesis, and the Old Testament, building a solid base for academic or personal growth in understanding Scripture.

This course outline provides a detailed and structured approach to studying the New Testament, designed to engage students with its rich content and lasting significance.