BIB 341: Kingdom Authority in the Gospels

Title: BIB 341: Kingdom Authority in the Gospels

Subtitle: Exploring the Authority of King Jesus

Course Name & Level: Kingdom Authority in the Gospels, Bachelor Degree
Number of Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Keywords: Kingdom Authority, King Jesus, Gospels

1. Introduction:

This course explores the concept of kingdom authority as presented in the Gospels, focusing on how Jesus exercised and imparted authority. Students will examine the theological and practical implications of Jesus’ authority in the Kingdom of God.

2. Course Description:

An advanced course that delves into the authority of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels, emphasizing His teachings, miracles, and the delegation of authority to His disciples.

3. Course Purpose:

To understand the nature and implications of Jesus’ authority in the Kingdom of God.

4. Course Objectives:

To explore the authority of King Jesus in the Gospels and to understand its application for contemporary believers.

5. Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:

• Kingdom Authority: The power and authority exercised by Jesus as the King of God’s Kingdom.
• Delegation of Authority: The process by which Jesus empowered His disciples to carry out His mission.
• Miracles: Supernatural acts performed by Jesus that demonstrate His authority over nature, sickness, and evil.
• Teachings of Jesus: The authoritative teachings of Jesus on the Kingdom of God, ethics, and discipleship.
• Exousia: Greek term often translated as “authority,” indicating the power and right to act.

6. Specific Topics with Descriptions:

• Introduction to Kingdom Authority: Overview of the concept of authority in the context of the Kingdom of God.
• Jesus’ Authority in Teaching: Examination of Jesus’ authoritative teaching style and content.
• Authority Over Nature: Study of miracles demonstrating Jesus’ authority over natural elements (e.g., calming the storm).
• Authority Over Sickness: Exploration of Jesus’ healing miracles and their significance.
• Authority Over Evil: Analysis of exorcisms and Jesus’ power over demonic forces.
• Authority in Forgiveness: Examination of Jesus’ authority to forgive sins.
• Delegation of Authority: Study of how Jesus delegated authority to His disciples and its implications.
• Conflict and Authority: Exploration of conflicts between Jesus and religious authorities regarding His authority.
• Resurrection and Ultimate Authority: The significance of Jesus’ resurrection as the ultimate demonstration of His authority.
• Contemporary Applications: Practical ways to understand and apply Jesus’ authority in the lives of believers today.

7. Assessments with Descriptions:

• Quizzes: Regular quizzes to test knowledge of key concepts and events related to Jesus’ authority in the Gospels.
• Reflection Papers: Written reflections on specific aspects of Jesus’ authority and its impact on personal faith and ministry.
• 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.
• Research Project: A project where students research and present on a specific topic related to Jesus’ authority in the Gospels.

8. Research References:

• Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony by Richard Bauckham. eBook format. MLA Citation: Bauckham, Richard. Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony. 2nd ed., Eerdmans, 2017.
• The Authority of Jesus: A Comprehensive Study of the Authority of Jesus in the Gospels by James D. G. Dunn. eBook format. MLA Citation: Dunn, James D. G. The Authority of Jesus: A Comprehensive Study of the Authority of Jesus in the Gospels. SCM Press, 1997.
• Kingdom, Power, and Glory: The Overcomer’s Handbook by Chuck and Nancy Missler. eBook format. MLA Citation: Missler, Chuck, and Nancy Missler. Kingdom, Power, and Glory: The Overcomer’s Handbook. King’s High Way Ministries, 2013.
• The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is by N. T. Wright. eBook format. MLA Citation: Wright, N. T. The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is. IVP Books, 1999.
• The Gospel of the Kingdom: Scriptural Studies in the Kingdom of God by George Eldon Ladd. eBook format. MLA Citation: Ladd, George Eldon. The Gospel of the Kingdom: Scriptural Studies in the Kingdom of God. Eerdmans, 1959.

This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students gain a deep understanding of kingdom authority as presented in the Gospels, focusing on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.