Introduction to the New Testament IV

At the Introduction to the New Testament IV course we present the literary history aspects (author, addressee, where, when and the circumstances in which they were written, the reason for why they were written, the literary unity and their structure) of the letter written to the Jews, of the General epistles, as well as of the book of Revelation, their main content, their most representative theological themes and motifs.
Further on we present the historical premises and circumstances regarding the formation of the New Testament as a collection (canonical gospels) and its passing on (textual history). Based on previous historical and factual information, the introductive course leads the attendee into the exegesis and the theological approach of the New Testament.

Competences

Specific competences

The attendee learns about the literary history of the letter written to the Jews, of the General epistles, as well as of the book of Revelation, their content, the main theological themes and motifs, he is able to combine these aspects with the already known information and to present them in a free and vocational way.

General competences

The attendee practices the appreciative reading of the Bible, he expands his factual knowledge, his theological approach is gradually shaping and perfecting, his decision making process is more factual, accurate and reliable, and his systematical and integrating capacity grows.

Course structure

# Title
1 Jesus, the Son of God, the High Priest After the Order of Melchizedek (Hebr 1–7)
2 The Sacrifice of Jesus and its Consequences (Hebr 81–13)
3 Introductory Problems of the Epistle to the Hebrews
4 Introductory Problems and Content of the Epistle of James
5 Introductory Problems and Content of the Epistle of 1Peter
6 Introductory Problems and Content of Epistles of 2Peter and Jude
7 Introductory Problems and Content of the Epistles of John
8 The Central Vision, the Seven Messages, the Throne of God and the Lamb, and the First Two Series of Plagues (Rev 1–11)
9 The Dragon, the Beasts and Babylon. The Last Battle, New Sky, New Earth, New Jerusalem (Rev 12–21)
10 History of New Testament Canon 1: Conditions and Circumstances of Formation of the New Testament Canon
11 Introductory Problems of Revelation
12 History of New Testament Canon 2: The Formation of the New Testament Canon
13 The Textual History of the Greek New Testament 1: The Earliest New Testament Manuscripts
14 The Textual History of the Greek New Testament 2: Critical Editions and Textual Criticism

Total estimated time

Classroom study Course Seminar Practice
2 hours/week 2 0 0
28 hours/semester 28 0 0
Individual study Hours/sem
Total estimated time 75
Studying course notes and bibliography 30
Further documentation in libraries, electronic platforms, or on the field 10
Preparing essays, papers, or documentation 5
Personal tutoring 2
Total individual study 47

Examination

The attendee will take an oral exam as a mean to evaluate his knowledge and acquired skills.

Bibliography

Source edition

Collection of studies

Book