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Title: BIB 642: Power Dynamics in the Acts of the Apostles
Subtitle: Exploring the Role of Power in the Early Church
Course Name & Level: Power Dynamics in the Acts of the Apostles, Master Degree
Number of Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Keywords: Power Dynamics, Acts of the Apostles, Early Church
1. Introduction:
This course examines the power dynamics within the early church as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles. Students will explore how the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles and the community to fulfill their mission.
2. Course Description:
An advanced course focusing on the study of power dynamics in the Acts of the Apostles. Emphasis is placed on understanding the role of the Holy Spirit, leadership, and community in the early church.
3. Course Purpose:
To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the power dynamics in the Acts of the Apostles, enhancing their ability to apply these principles to contemporary ministry.
4. Course Objectives:
To explore and analyze the power dynamics in the Acts of the Apostles, understanding their theological significance and practical applications for contemporary Christian leadership and community.
5. Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:
- Power Dynamics: The ways in which power is distributed and exercised within a group or community.
- Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity, who empowers, guides, and transforms believers.
- Apostolic Leadership: Leadership modeled by the apostles in the early church, characterized by reliance on the Holy Spirit and commitment to the mission of Jesus.
- Community: The body of believers who live out their faith together, supporting and encouraging one another.
- Mission: The purpose and work of the church, especially in spreading the gospel and making disciples.
6. Specific Topics with Descriptions:
- Introduction to Power Dynamics in Acts: Overview of the course and its objectives.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: Examination of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and guidance in the early church.
- Pentecost and the Birth of the Church: Study of the events of Pentecost and their significance for the church.
- Apostolic Leadership: Analysis of the leadership styles and strategies of the apostles.
- Community Life in the Early Church: Exploration of the communal practices and relationships in the early church.
- Miracles and Signs: Examination of the role of miracles and signs in demonstrating God’s power.
- Persecution and Suffering: Study of how the early church responded to persecution and suffering.
- Expansion of the Church: Analysis of the missionary journeys and the spread of the gospel.
- Conflict and Resolution: Examination of conflicts within the early church and their resolutions.
- The Role of Prayer: Understanding the importance of prayer in the life of the early church.
- Empowerment for Mission: Exploration of how the Holy Spirit empowered believers for mission.
- Contemporary Applications: Applying the power dynamics of the Acts of the Apostles to modern ministry contexts.
7. Assessments with Descriptions:
- Quizzes: Regular quizzes to test knowledge of key concepts and power dynamics in the Acts of the Apostles.
- Reflection Papers: Written reflections on personal insights and learnings from specific topics.
- Research Paper: An in-depth research paper on a chosen aspect of power dynamics in the Acts of the Apostles.
- 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.
- Presentation: A presentation on a significant aspect of power dynamics in the Acts of the Apostles.
8. Research References:
- The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary by Ben Witherington III. eBook format. MLA Citation: Witherington, Ben III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Eerdmans, 1998.
- The Spirit and the Church: Pneumatology in Luke-Acts by John T. Carroll. eBook format. MLA Citation: Carroll, John T. The Spirit and the Church: Pneumatology in Luke-Acts. Fortress Press, 1990.
- Acts: An Exegetical Commentary by Craig S. Keener. eBook format. MLA Citation: Keener, Craig S. Acts: An Exegetical Commentary. Baker Academic, 2012.
- The Birth of the Church: From Jesus to Constantine, AD 30-312 by Ivor J. Davidson. eBook format. MLA Citation: Davidson, Ivor J. The Birth of the Church: From Jesus to Constantine, AD 30-312. Monarch Books, 2005.
- Mission in the Spirit: Towards a Pentecostal/Charismatic Missiology by Julie C. Ma. eBook format. MLA Citation: Ma, Julie C. Mission in the Spirit: Towards a Pentecostal/Charismatic Missiology. Regnum Books, 2010.
This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students gain a deep understanding of power dynamics in the Acts of the Apostles, focusing on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.
