Course Syllabus for

THE NEW TESTAMENT -- RELG 1302

(Revised August 2009)

           

 

Instructor:      Frank Bellizzi

 

Class Meets:  10:30—11:45 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays

 

Office:            Amarillo Bible Chair, 2501 S. Jackson

 

Phone:            372-5747

 

E-mail:            biblechair@amaonline.com

 

Website:         www.amarillobiblechair.homestead.com

 

Office Hours:  By Appointment

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

Regular attendance is required.  It is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Absences totaling more than two weeks of class time (4 class meetings) will result in the loss of grade points.  Absences may not be made up.  Also, it is imperative that students come to class on time and remain for the entire class session.

 

REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS  

 

There will be three (3) exams, including the final, throughout the course of the semester.  The student is required to take exams on the date scheduled in the course outline.  The third and final exam will be comprehensive.

 

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE

 

A survey of the New Testament with an emphasis on the teaching and life of Christ and the beginning of the Christian church (from the AC Catalog).

 

PURPOSE AND GOALS FOR THE COURSE

 

By the completion of this course, the student will demonstrate his/her knowledge and understanding of the subject matter by obtaining a minimum of 70% competency level of the stated performance/learning objectives.

 

TEXTBOOKS

 

1. A Bible.  A modern, standard translation—such as the New International Version, Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, or New King James Version—is preferred.  The King James Version, first published in 1611, was for its time an excellent translation.  It remains one of the great literary achievements of all time.  However, the English language has significantly changed over the last 400 years, making the KJV hard for most modern students to read and understand.  Do not read from the KJV in class.

 

2.  Elwell & Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament, 2nd Edition, 2005. (ISBN  080102806X)

 

PERFORMANCE/LEARNING OBJECTIVES (Minimum Competencies):

 

After studying the material in this course, the student will be able to do the following:

 

1.         List the books of the New Testament in their canonical order.

            2.         Summarize the contents of each book of the New Testament.

3.         Note key geographical sites as they pertain to the study of the New Testament.

4.         Identify literary styles found in the New Testament.

5.         Summarize the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

6.         Characterize the teachings of Paul the Apostle.

7.         Describe the expansion of Christianity from the A.D. 30s to the 90s.

8.         Discuss the key problems faced by the earliest churches and how they attempted to handle them.

            9.         Demonstrate the ability to use research tools in the field of religion, and draw reasonable conclusions on the basis of careful study.

                                             

DISABILITY STATEMENT

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Accessibility Services (L101, Phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

 

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

 

1.               Regular Attendance

 

a. Your instructor will keep careful attendance rolls.

                        b. As per the attendance policy stated above, four absences will be allowed before your grade is directly affected by your attendance.

 

2.               Readings

 

a. A survey reading of various sections of the New Testament (bring your Bible to each class session).

                        b. Readings from the Elwell and Yarbrough text as specified by the course outline.

 

            3.         Examinations

 

a.   There will be four examinations spread out through the semester.

b. Examination questions may include listing, identify and/or define, true/false,  short answer and essay (either short or long).

c. The first three examinations will only cover material that you have not been tested over.

d. The final examination will be comprehensive. Material from previous tests and the last class meeting will comprise the final.

           

      4.         One Paper Proposal

 

                  On Monday, October 5th, turn in a standard (8.5 x 11”) unlined, computer-generated sheet that lists, in order, the following:

     

                  a. Your name

                        b. The biblical reference for the passage from one of the Four Gospels you plan to research (for example, “John 1:1-18”).

      c. A few sentences about why you chose this particular passage.

      d. The question(s) you will be trying to answer regarding that passage.

      e. The publication facts for any source(s)--other than the Bible-- that you have already identified as helpful.

 

            Within a week, I will return this page to you with notes, comments, suggestions for bibliography, etc.  Note: Your instructor reserves the right to make changes to the limits of the passage you select, and also to your list of sources.  The paper will be due on Monday, November 16th.  That will give you--from the time you receive feedback from me until the due date—six weeks to further research and complete the project.  If you have questions about this project or would like to discuss it with me, please feel to call or e-mail me using the contact information on page 1 of your syllabus.

 

5.         One Paper

 

a.  The paper – again, due November 16th – must be computer generated, four-six pages long, using 12 point font, double-spaced.

b.  Good form must be used (MLA Handbook of Style, for example).

       c. A minimum of five sources must be used for each paper.  Biblical references are expected, but do not count as a source.  Limit of one internet source; and it must come from the list of approved sites provided in this syllabus.

d. The purpose of the report is to familiarize the student with research in the New Testament.

 

 

       COURSE GRADE DETERMINATION:                                         GRADING SCALE:

 

         First Examination                       20%                                                     A       90-100       

         Second Examination                   20%                                                     B         80-89

         Final Examination                      25%                                                     C         70-79

         Paper                                          25%                                                     D         60-69

         Participation/Pop Quizzes          10%                                                     F            0-59  

 

 

 

COURSE CALENDAR AND OUTLINE

 

What follows on the next several pages is a detailed outline of this semester’s study of the New Testament.  At the beginning of most segments you will find reading assignments that week.  New Testament books are listed first, then the page numbers for any readings in the textbook by Walter Elwell and Robert Yarbrough (abbreviated “EY”). 

 

The readings for a given class should be done beforehand.  For example, before coming to class on August 26th, you should read EY pages 19-35.

 

Remember, this is your class.  I want to encourage you, as you read, to make notes and write down any questions that occur to you.  Bring these to class and feel free to talk about your observations and ask any questions. 

 

 

 

THE NEW TESTAMENT

Course Calendar and Outline, Fall 2009

 

 

Getting Started

 

Why did you sign up for this class?  What do you expect to learn?

 

Aug. 24            Introductions, Syllabus, Course overview, Students fill out information sheets, Pretest

 

Read EY 19-35  [“EY” stands for your textbook by Elwell and Yarbrough; the numbers refer to pages].

 

Aug. 26            What is the New Testament?  Why study it?

 

 

 

 

Exploring the Synoptic Gospels

 

Matthew, Mark and Luke are so similar.  Yet, they have their significant differences.  Why do these three gospel writers tell the story of Jesus as they do?  What might be the reasons for the distinctions among them?

 

Aug. 31            Why Matthew, Mark and Luke are called “the Synoptic Gospels”?

 

Read Matthew, Mark + EY 77-96.  To view the Four Gospels in interactive parallel columns see the website http://www.utoronto.ca/religion/synopsis/meta-4g.htm

 

Sept. 2             Matthew:  Jesus as the Messiah of Israel

 

Mark:  Jesus as the Son of God and Servant of All

 

 

 

 

Exploring the Synoptic Gospels

 

Sept. 7             Labor Day Holiday – Amarillo College closed                     

 

Read Luke + EY 97-105

 

Sept. 9             Luke:  Jesus as the Savior of the Whole World

 

Interpreting the Parables of Jesus (time permitting)

 

 

 

 

Light, Signs, Belief, and Life: The Gospel of John

 

John’s Gospel is the most different of the four.  How is it different from the other three?  Why does John tell the story of Jesus in such a unique way?

 

Read the Gospel of John + EY 107-116.  

 

Sept. 14           Introduction to the Gospel of John

 

Sept. 16           Aspects of John’s unique presentation of Jesus

 

A website called “Resources for Academic Study of the Fourth Gospel and the Letters of John” contains many links including “Introductory Materials” and “Geography” http://catholic-resources.org/John/

 

 

 

 

History of Earliest Christianity: The Book of Acts

                   

What does the Book of Acts uniquely contribute to the New Testament?

 

Read Acts + EY 193-205

 

Sept. 21           Walking through the Book of Acts, 1

 

Sept. 23           Walking through the Book of Acts, 2

 

On the Jewish character of earliest Christianity, see the series of lessons on the Book of Acts by David Chadwell:  http://www.westarkchurchofchrist.org/chadwell/2002/070702pm.htm

 

 

 

 

Sept. 28           1st Exam

 

Life and Thought of the Apostle Paul

 

He’s one of the most prominent Christians of all time.  He wrote 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament.  What influences made Saul of Tarsus (the Apostle Paul) the man he was?

 

Read EY 253-69

 

Sept. 30             Introducing the Apostle Paul   

 

For maps and photos associated with the journeys of Paul: http://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/Main.htm

 

 

 

 

Paul’s Earliest Letters

 

The Apostle Paul was a traveling Christian preacher.  How did the physical distance between him and the churches he planted make it difficult for Paul to teach and care for them?

 

Read Galatians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians + EY 296-303, 327-334

 

Oct. 5              Paper Proposal Due

                        Galatians: Paul’s Authority and Gospel on Trial

 

Oct. 7              1 and 2 Thessalonians: Nurturing Young Christian Faith

 

 

 

 

The Corinthian Correspondence

 

What are the questions that Paul is trying to answer in these two long letters to the church at ancient Corinth?

 

Read 1 and 2 Corinthians + EY 287-96

 

Oct. 12            1 Corinthians: A Very Imperfect Church

 

Oct. 14             2 Corinthians: What “Victory in Jesus” and the Christian Life Look Like

 

 

 

 

The Letter to the Romans

 

Among the New Testament letters, Romans is one of the most famous and best known.  What is it about Romans that has made it such a Christian classic?

 

Read Romans + EY 273-85

 

Oct. 19             The Letter to the Romans, 1

 

Oct. 21            The Letter to the Romans, 2

 

 

 

 

The Captivity Letters

 

What cause or commitment would you be willing to go to jail for?

 

Read Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon + EY 307-24

 

Oct. 26             The historical setting of the Captivity Letters

                         Ephesians: A God’s-Eye View of the Church

 

Oct. 28             Philippians: Unity in Joy

                         Colossians: Big Savior for a Little Church

                         Philemon: Refresh My Heart

 

 

 

 

Letters to Paul’s Delegates

 

What qualities and characteristics should churches look for in their preachers, the ministry staff?

 

Read 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus + EY 334-343

 

Nov. 2             The historical setting of the so-called Pastoral Epistles   

                        1 Timothy: How to behave in the family of God

 

Nov. 4             Titus: Christians must learn to be good

                        2 Timothy: Paul’s last letter before his martyrdom

 

 

 

 

Hebrews and James

 

Most of the early Christians were Jews.  How do these two letters reflect the Jewishness of first-century Christianity?

 

Nov. 9            2nd Exam

 

                       Hebrews: A New and Better Covenant

 

Nov. 11          James: Be Doers of the Word

 

http://www.abu.nb.ca/courses/NTIntro/Heb.htm

 

 

 

 

The Letters of Peter and Jude

 

Christians have their differences.  No two believers are exactly the same. But at what point do differences cross the line?  What is essential to being a faithful Christian, a true believer?

 

1 and Peter, and Jude + EY 361-68, 370-73.

 

Nov. 16           1 Peter: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus              Term Paper Due

 

Nov. 18           2 Peter and Jude: Christian Growth and Contending for the Faith

 

 

 

 

The Letters of John

 

Many churches financially support missionaries.  What beliefs or actions on the part of the missionary would disqualify him/her for support?

 

Read 1, 2, and 3 John + EY 366-70

 

Nov. 23           Backgrounds to the Letters of John

 

Nov. 25           1, 2, and 3 John

 

To repeat, see “Resources for Academic Study of the Fourth Gospel and the Letters of John”

http://catholic-resources.org/John/

 

 

 

 

The Book of Revelation

 

Read Revelation + EY 375-85

 

Nov. 30           Characteristics and Outlook of Apocalyptic Literature

 

Dec 2               Exploring the Book of Revelation

                       

For the cities of the Book of Revelation see,  http://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Revelation/main.htm

 

 _________________________________________________________________________________                                

 

Dec 7 (Mon.)  Final Exam, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

 

 

Internet Resources for Bible Study

 

 

1.  Searchable Bibles

 

Some people have already discovered that the World Wide Web contains many sites that feature the Bible in various translations.  One of the better sites is Bible Gateway.  It features a passage lookup and also a keyword search for concordance-type study. The home page address is  http://www.biblegateway.com/

 

2.  Bible Dictionaries

 

When it comes to studying the Scriptures, nothing is more helpful than a good Bible dictionary.  The web addresses for the following two dictionaries are found at the end of each description:

 

A.  Part of the ad for the Holman Bible Dictionary reads as follows:  “The product of over 6 years of work by hundreds of people, the Holman Bible Dictionary manages to be readable and easy to use, yet take advantage of the finest modern Bible scholarship without heavy technical language.”   Not only that, it’s thorough.  For example, there are 606 entries under the letter “A.”

http://studylight.org/dic/hbd/

 

B.  Published in 1996, the Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology was produced by an impressive group of conservative Bible scholars.  The print edition of this resource runs to nearly 1000 pages packed with some deep, helpful articles.                                 

http://www.biblestudytools.net/Dictionaries/BakersEvangelicalDictionary/

 

When using these two dictionaries, it is important to understand their differences.  The first will provide definitions for most people and places named in the Bible.  For example, Zebedee was the father of two Apostles, James and John (Mark 1:19).   And you will find an entry under “Zebedee” in the Holman Bible Dictionary.  On the other hand, the Evangelical Dictionary does not contain an article for “Zebedee” because it is a dictionary of Biblical Theology.  Here the focus is on biblical

 

concepts and doctrines.  So in this dictionary you will find lengthy articles on subjects like “Faith” and “Salvation” and “Day of Judgment,” but, again, nothing on “Zebedee.” 

 

3.  Bible Encyclopedia

 

The older International Standard Bible Encyclopedia is available on the web.  No, this is not the updated, much-newer one. (Both sets are available in the ABC library).  But the original ISBE is loaded with a lot of still-good stuff for the Bible student.  One of the finest multi-volume works of biblical scholarship from the early 20th century, it features articles by some of the best teachers and writers of that day including Benjamin B. Warfield and A. T. Robertson.  You can find it at the following: 

http://www.studylight.org/enc/isb/

 

Course Bibliography

 

Note:  The wise student will begin with relevant articles in Biblical dictionaries and encyclopedias.

 

Achtemeier, Green, and Thompson, eds.         Introducing the New Testament.

Arnold, J.                       Discovering The Bible For Yourself.

Barker, Lane, and Michaels. The New Testament Speaks.

Barnett, P.                      Behind The Scenes of the New Testament.

                .                      Jesus & the Rise of Early Christianity.

Beale, G. (ed.)               The Right Doctrine from the Wrong Texts.

Blaiklock, E.                  Cities of the New Testament.

Bornkamm, G.                Early Christian Experiences.

Brown, C. (ed.)              Dictionary of the New Testament Theology (3 Volumes).

Brown, R.                       An Introduction to the New Testament.

Bruce, F.F.                     The Message of the New Testament.

             .                         New Testament Development of Old Testament Themes.

             .                         The New Testament Documents:  Are They Reliable?

Bultmann, R.                   Theology of the New Testament (2 Volumes).

Carson, Moo and Morris.  An Introduction to the New Testament.

Childs, B.                       The New Testament as Canon:  An Introduction.

Conzelmann and Lindemann.  Interpreting the New Testament.

Drane, J.                         Introducing the New Testament.

Dunn, J.                          Unity and Diversity in the New Testament.

Duvall and Hays.            Grasping God's Word.

Ellis, E.                          The Old Testament in Early Christianity.

            .                          Paul’s Use of the Old Testament.

            .                          Prophecy and Hermeneutics in Early Christianity.

Elwell and Yarbrough.  Readings from the First Century World.

Evans, C.                        Noncanonical Writings and New Testament Interpretation.

Evans and Porter, eds.    Dictionary of New Testament Background.           

Fee and Stuart.               How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth, 2nd ed.

                        .              New Testament Exegesis.

Ferguson, E.                   Backgrounds of Early Christianity, 2nd ed.

                    .                  The Church Of Christ: A Biblical Ecclesiology for Today.

Fiensy, D.                       New Testament Introduction.

Finger, T.                       Christian Theology (2 volumes).

Goppelt, L.                     Theology of the New Testament (2 volumes).

Green, McKnight, and Marshall.   Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels.

Gromacki, R.                  New Testament Survey.

Gundry, R.                      A Survey of the New Testament.

Guthrie, D.                     New Testament Introduction.

                  .                    New Testament Theology.

Harrison, E.                    Introduction to the New Testament.

Hawthorne, Martin, and Reid.   Dictionary of Paul and His Letters.

Hester, H.I.                     The Heart of the New Testament.

Hunter, A.M.                  Interpreting the New Testament.

Kaiser, et. al.                  Hard Sayings of the Bible.

Kaiser, W.                      The Use of the Old Testament in the New.

               .                       Toward An Exegetical Theology.

Kenner, C.                      The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament.

Kittle and Friedrich.       Theological Dictionary Of The New Testament  (Either the One-Volume

                                       or Ten-Volumes editions are available).

Koester, H.                     Introduction to the New Testament (2 Volumes).

Kummel,  W.                  Introduction to the New Testament.

Longman, T.                   Reading the Bible with Heart and Mind.

Malherbe, A.                  "The World of the New Testament" in the Living Word Commentary.

Malina, B.                      Christian Origins and Cultural Anthropology.

Martin and Davids.        Dictionary of the Later New Testament and its Developments

Matthews, B.                  The World in Which Jesus Lived.

McGrath, A.                   Beyond the Quiet Time.

McKnight, S.                  A Light among the Gentiles.

                    .                  Introducing New Testament Interpretation.

Morris, L.                       New Testament Theology.

Neill, S.                          The Interpretation of the New Testament.

Porter & McDonald.      New Testament Introduction.

Ryken, Whiloit and Longman.   Dictionary of Biblical Imagery.

Selby and Smith.           Introduction to the Bible.

Spivey and Smith.          Anatomy of the New Testament.

Stott, J.                           The Cross of Christ.

Tasker, R.                       The Old Testament in the New.

Tenney, M.                     New Testament Survey.

                 .                     New Testament Times.

West and Selby.             Introduction to the Bible.

Witherington.                  New Testament History.