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Title: BIB 302: Introduction to the New Testament
Subtitle: Exploring the Life and Teachings of King Jesus
Course Name & Level: Introduction to the New Testament, Bachelor Degree
Number of Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Keywords: King Jesus, New Testament, Great Commission
1. Introduction:
This course offers an in-depth introduction to the New Testament, focusing on its structure, themes, and historical context. Students will explore the life and teachings of Jesus, the development of the early church, and the writings of the apostles.
2. Course Description:
An introductory course focusing on the books, characters, and events of the New Testament, providing foundational knowledge for understanding King Jesus’ Kingdom and His Great Commission.
3. Course Purpose:
To provide students with foundational knowledge of the New Testament and its central themes.
4. Course Objectives:
To explore the content, structure, and major themes of the New Testament in the context of King Jesus’ Kingdom.
5. Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:
- Gospels: The first four books of the New Testament that describe the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Epistles: Letters written by apostles to various early Christian communities, addressing theological and practical issues.
- Kingdom of God: Central theme in Jesus’ teaching, representing God’s sovereign rule and reign.
- Great Commission: Jesus’ command to His disciples to spread His teachings to all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).
- Apostles: The primary disciples of Jesus, commissioned to spread His teachings.
6. Specific Topics with Descriptions:
- Introduction to the New Testament: Overview of the New Testament’s structure, authorship, and historical context.
- The Life of Jesus: Detailed study of the Gospels, focusing on the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
- Teachings of Jesus: Exploration of the parables, Sermon on the Mount, and key teachings of Jesus.
- The Acts of the Apostles: Examination of the early church’s formation, growth, and missionary activities.
- Pauline Epistles: Study of the letters of Paul, focusing on their theological and practical teachings.
- General Epistles: Analysis of the non-Pauline letters and their contributions to early Christian thought.
- Revelation: Overview of the apocalyptic literature and its significance in the New Testament.
- Kingdom of God: Understanding the Kingdom of God as taught by Jesus and its implications for His followers.
- The Great Commission: Study of Matthew 28:18-20 and its implications for the early church and contemporary discipleship.
7. Assessments with Descriptions:
- Quizzes: Regular quizzes to test knowledge of key figures, events, and themes in the New Testament.
- Reflection Papers: Written reflections on specific books or themes within the New Testament.
- Research Paper: An in-depth research paper on a chosen topic related to the New Testament.
- Midterm Exam: An exam covering the first half of the course material.
- Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering the entire course.
- Participation: Active participation in class discussions and group activities.
8. Research References:
- The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings by Bart D. Ehrman. eBook format. MLA Citation: Ehrman, Bart D. The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings. 6th ed., Oxford University Press, 2016.
- An Introduction to the New Testament by Raymond E. Brown. eBook format. MLA Citation: Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament. Anchor Bible, 1997.
- Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey by Craig L. Blomberg. eBook format. MLA Citation: Blomberg, Craig L. Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey. 2nd ed., B&H Academic, 2009.
- The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited by Scot McKnight. eBook format. MLA Citation: McKnight, Scot. The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited. Zondervan, 2011.
- The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird. eBook format. MLA Citation: Wright, N.T., and Michael F. Bird. The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians. Zondervan, 2019.
This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students gain a deep understanding of the New Testament, focusing on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.
