New Testament: The Shape of the Course

I. Prologue
  • Similar experiences in antiquity: Robert Wilken, The Spirit of Early Christian Thought, 52-53.
  • Reading Luke's Gospel in 1983; sabbatical in 2023.
  • Why was the New Testament written? Answer through discussing in groups this 'florilegium' (bouquet of readings).
    Consider, or adapt, SOAPS style:
    Scripture:Engage the passage, even writing it out.
    Observation: Rehearse the passage in your own words to better understand.
    Application: Think about what it means to obey these truths or commands in your own life.
    Prayer: Tell God what you've learned and how you plan to obey and share.
    Sharing: Ask God who He wants you to share with about what you've learned or applied.

    • John 20:31: These are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
    • 1 John 5:13: I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
    • Acts 1:3-4: It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
    • 1 Peter 5:12: By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
    • Jude 3-4: Beloved ... I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed.
    • Romans 15:15-16: on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God.
    • Rev 21:5: He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
  • Prayer
  • Vision?
II. Structure
  • The revised course structure accommodates five needed 'discipleshifts' in light of this and many other signs:
    • from reaching/convincing to forming skilled followers,
    • from merely informing to equipping,
    • from program to purpose,
    • from activity to relationship, and
    • from accumulating resources to deploying knowledge, skills, habits, and instincts.
  • Our online syllabus sketches a trail, but also a route. Be active, not passive!
    • Its structure honors your freedom to choose books, written exercises, and even discussions best suited to you. Take initiative!
      • Center-stage are the biblical texts themselves! Of course!
    • For practice interpreting regardless of background, preparation, or religion: inductive discovery Bible studies (DBSs) that train in a lifelong, shareable skill for everyone. You'll be choosing some of ours.
    • For each book's overall structure: brief recorded summaries from The Bible Project.
    • To 'consider' (not 'study') for background and expert perspective: Mark Alan Powell's survey Introducing the NT.
    • For the NT's 'plot' that invites us in: Steve Addison's What Jesus Started: Joining the Movement Changing the World.
    • For interpretive topics and my own observations: recorded lectures to consider (not 'study') as well.
    • For actively processing this material: in-class discussions. Come prepared!
    • For deeper dives into more specific topics: your choice of an optional book. Pursue one important to you!
    • For encouraging one another: testifying in class to what you discovered, did, and shared and what resulted.
    • For personal and kingdom fruitfulness: a set of skills to practice and pass on, as millions are doing around the world.
    • For developing your thinking and understanding: a set of written assignments from which to choose.
    • Work through these with each other (honestly of course) live or online, in and out of class. Be active, not passive!
    • To pursue your individual questions about the NT, the course, and life: office hour visits.
    • For accountability and to gauge your skills, habits, instincts, and knowledge: a midterm and final.
  • Share what you learn with others. Be a giver, not a hoarder!
  • Mentor others as fellow 'duckling disciples' who multiply. Be bold, not timid!
  • Grading reflects (I hope) your overall performance and strengths, rather than your ability to "hack bad tests." Put your quest for grades in its rightful place in 'the collegiate value paradox.' (More on that later.)
  • (Canvas will just be for announcements, files such as shorter readings, and submitting written exercises, not for calculating your grades.)
  • All of this aims to guide and encourage you along 'the Way,' or at least show it to you, so you can guide and encourage others who will do so in turn.
  • Homework: do a close reading of Jude alone or with others, then consult secondary sources.