Intro to the NT: Shape of the Course

I. Prologue
Entrance exam
Why we wrote the New Testament: a florilegium

Acts 1:3-4 NRSV: I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.

John 20:31: These are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Romans 15:15-16: I have written to you rather 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.

1 Peter 5:12: I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

1 John 5:13: I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Jude 3-4: Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain intruders have stolen in among you.

Rev 1:10-11: I was in the spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches."

Rev 1:17-19: When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he placed his right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades. Now write what you have seen, what is, and what is to take place after this."

Rev 21:3-5: I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among [human beings]. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true."

Prayer
Vision

II. Structure
Schedule, arranging Tasks

Recorded summaries from The Bible Project and in-class lectures
In-class homilies or presentations on readings
Readings and written assignments (including New Testament application project)
Participation (in-class tasks, office hour visit)
Midterms and final

Grading

III. Requests?