New Testament Foundations

This course seeks to introduce the content of the books of the NT with a view to providing a basis for further reading and study. The primary focus will be on the message of each book within its particular historical-cultural setting, with some attention being given to its contribution to the theology of the NT as a whole. Selected critical issues will be dealt with on occasion.


Quick Info

  • Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
  • Course code: BIB105
  • Credit points: 10
  • Subject coordinator: Adam White

Prerequisites

Nil

Awards offering New Testament Foundations

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

Unit Content

Outcomes

  1. Define key elements of the historical, cultural, and literary backgrounds of the NT, with particular emphasis on Israel’s prior narrative which tradition provides their primary and authoritative interpretative framework; 
  2. Outline the content of the canonical documents, Mark, Matthew and Luke-Acts, with particular emphasis on their main arguments/theses, key theological emphases, and relevant historical and cultural background;
  3. Outline the content of the canonical documents, John, & Romans to Revelation,  with particular emphasis on their main arguments/theses, key theological emphases, and relevant historical and cultural background;
  4. Identify and discuss the various critical issues covered in class, such as provenance, unity, authorship, date, arising from the study of a given NT book.

Subject Content

  1. Introductory issues, Greco-Roman 
  2. Jewish backgrounds, Jewish Literature, text, canon
  3. Introduction to the Gospel 
  4. Mission and Message of Jesus.
  5. Mark
  6. Matthew, Luke-Acts
  7. Intro to Paul, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians (I)
  8. 1-2 Corinthians
  9. Galatians, Romans
  10. Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians
  11. Philemon, The Pastoral Epistles
  12. Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, Jude, John (I)
  13. John (II), Epistles of John, Revelation

This course may be offered in the following formats

  • Face-to-Face
  • E-Learning
  • Intensives

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

  • Weekly Quizzes (25%)
  • Major Exegesis (50%)
  • Sermon (25%)

Prescribed Text

  • Wright, N. T. & Bird, Michael. The New Testament in its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians.  London: SPCK Publishing, 2019.

Please consult your instructor before purchasing any textbooks.