Contents: New Testament Page
The topics on this page roughly correspond to the topics taught in the
second semester
Introduction to the New Testament
The
Life of Paul
A
summary of what can be known about Paul on the basis of our ancient
sources (the undisputed letters and Acts of the Apostles), and an
introduction to Paul's importance and the controversies surrounding
his life, ideas, and legacy.
The
Undisputed Letters of Paul
A brief
overview of the undisputed letters (1 Thessalonians, 1&2
Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Philemon, Romans) in outline
form. Historical background, key themes, controversial passages, and
other relevant issues are covered.
The Gospel of Mark
The
earliest written gospel, and arguably the most enigmatic. Mark is
the key gospel in synoptic studies and the foundation of historical
Jesus studies. The author's portrayal of Jesus is startling and
confounding. What better way to initiate the process of preserving
the life of the messiah?
The Synoptic Problem
The
question of which gospel author wrote first and what literary
relationship (if any) exists among the gospels is key to
understanding both the identity of Jesus and the development of
doctrine in the Early Church. The Synoptic Problem is complicated
but essential to NT studies.
The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew
was cherished by the early church, but the decision was not without
irony. Jesus' emphasis on obedience to the Law of Moses in Matthew
contrasts with Paul's "law free" gospel, and Matthew's anti-Jewish
polemic has had a controversial impact on Jewish-Christian
relations. Definitely a gospel that must be understood in its
context.
The Gospel of Luke
Arguably
the New Testament's best story-teller, Luke also claims to be its
most reliable historian. Filled with memorable parables and
teachings, Luke also subtly alters (corrects?) Christian
expectations about the return of Jesus, shifting the emphasis to
social justice.
Acts of
the Apostles
The Gospel of John
The
"spiritual gospel" portrays a Jesus far different from the synoptics,
telling a story as influenced by Greek philosophy as by Old
Testament prophecy. John's portrayal of "the Jews" is in some ways
even harsher than Matthew, but symbolic and allegorical readings of
this gospel reveal amazing depth, complexity, and spirituality.
The Historical Jesus
An
outline of the so-called criteria of authenticity used by scholars
to get behind the NT gospels and to reconstruct the life of Jesus as
an historical figure. Also, a list of links to some of the online
articles pro and con on the issue of historical Jesus research.
The Deuteropauline Epistles
The Catholic Epistles & Later NT
Revelation
