New testament survey course

A New Testament survey course is a comprehensive overview of the books of the New Testament, covering their historical context, literary structure, and theological themes. Here's a suggested outline for a New Testament survey course:

Week 1: Introduction to the New Testament

• Overview of the New Testament and its significance
• Historical context of the New Testament (first century AD)
• Importance of understanding the New Testament in its original context
• Brief introduction to the authors and genres of the New Testament

Week 2-3: The Gospels

• Introduction to the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
• Historical context of the Gospels (life and ministry of Jesus)
• Literary structure and themes of each Gospel
• Key events and teachings of Jesus in each Gospel

Week 4-5: Acts and Epistles

• Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles (letters) of Paul
• Historical context of Acts and the Epistles (early Christian church)
• Literary structure and themes of Acts and the Epistles
• Key events and teachings in Acts and the Epistles

Week 6-7: Paul's Epistles

• In-depth study of Paul's Epistles (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews)
• Historical context and literary structure of each Epistle
• Key themes and teachings of each Epistle

Week 8-9: General Epistles and Revelation

• Introduction to the General Epistles (James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude)
• Historical context and literary structure of each General Epistle
• Key themes and teachings of each General Epistle
• Introduction to the Book of Revelation
• Historical context and literary structure of Revelation
• Key themes and teachings of Revelation

Week 10: Conclusion and Application

• Review of key themes and teachings of the New Testament
• Application of New Testament teachings to contemporary life
• Reflection on the significance of the New Testament for Christian faith and practice

Additional Resources

• A good New Testament survey textbook, such as "The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings" by Bart D. Ehrman or "The New Testament: A Very Short Introduction" by N.T. Wright
• A study Bible or commentary series, such as the NIV Study Bible or the New International Commentary on the New Testament
• Online resources, such as Bible Gateway or the New Testament Gateway

Assessment

• Quizzes or exams to test understanding of key events, themes, and teachings
• Short papers or book reviews on specific New Testament books or themes
• Group discussions or debates on key issues and controversies in the New Testament
• Final project, such as a research paper or presentation on a New Testament topic

Prerequisites

• None, but a basic understanding of Christian theology and biblical studies is helpful.

Target Audience

• Undergraduate students in biblical studies, theology, or related fields
• Seminary students or pastors seeking a comprehensive overview of the New Testament
• Anyone interested in studying the New Testament in depth.