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:

Section A:

The beginnings and expansion fo the church as reflected in the New Testament documents, with special attention to the Acts of the Apostles. Topics to be covered include:

1. The Jerusalem church
2. Early Christian preaching
3. Stephen and the Hellenists
4. The Pauline Mission and churches
5. The Council of Jersusalem
6. Schism, heresy and external threat in the early church.

Section B

The main issues confronted in and the teaching of at least seven major New Testament epistles

• Lecturer: Greg Forbes
• E-Coach: Gail Pratley