Pre-requisites: Nil

Description:

This subject (along with its sister subject The Early New Testament Church) forms the foundation upon which all further study of the New Testament builds.  It is concerned not so much with critical issues of New Testament studies, as with enabling candidates to grasp a firm understanding both of the ministry of Jesus and of the contents, themes and theology of the various books of the New Testament.

Aims:

• To enable candidates to understand the ministry of Jesus in its historical, cultural, religious and political environment.
• To give candidates an understanding of the evangelists as Christian theologicans, with their own distinctive theologies and outlooks.
• To teach candidates the features of the theology and expansion of the early church, particularly as they are reflected in the Acts of the Apostles.
• To study the background to and the teaching of selected epistles of the New Testament.
• To help candidates reflect on the significance of the New Testament portions studies, for their own lives and ministry.

Subject Outline:

Jesus' life and ministry, with special reference to the following:

1. The historical, religious and political setting of Palestine as part of the Roman Empire.
2. The Markan outline and emphases.
3. Distinctive features of the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John.
4. The Kingdom of God in the proclamation of Jesus.
5. The parables and their interpretation.
6. The ethics of Jesus, including the Sermon on the Mount.
7. The miracles of Jesus and their significance.
8. The titles of Jesus in the Gospels.
9. The passion resurrection narratives.

• Teacher: Greg Forbes