Entering the World of the New Testament (BN1000Y)

Tuesday evening 6.00pm to 9.00pm

Week one: General introduction to the course, Canon of the Bible, and Introduction to the books of the New Testament.

Week two: The worlds of the New Testament, Biblical exegesis/interpretation: methods

Week three: The development of the Gospels, the Synoptic Gospels/Synoptic hypothesis, Gospel of Mark: an overview; a basic understanding of the reign of God in the synoptic Gospels. Discipleship in Mark.

Week four: Gospel of Matthew: an overview, ways in which Matthew revised Mark, parallels of Jesus' baptism, Parables, Controversies/Religious Authorities/Pronouncement Stories deeds/exorcisms, call of disciples in Matthew

Week five: General similarities between Matthew and Luke: infancy narratives, beatitudes/woes, the passion narratives in Mark/Matthew/Luke

Week six: Luke-Acts: an overview, Particular Lukan parables, Universalism in Luke, hospitality in Luke

Week seven: Ministry in Galilee/in Jerusalem, Journey in Luke, Mission as a major theme in Luke-Acts

Week eight: Johannine literature: an overview, key differences from the synoptic gospels, important vocabularies and literary techniques, Reading John's Gospel

Week nine: The final meals and teachings (John 13-17), passion narrative in John (John 18-20), the Johannine Epistles

Week ten: Three conversions stories (Acts 9:1-31; 22:1-21; 26:2-23), Paul's life and ministry.

Week eleven: Paul's Writings, Galatians in particular, Hebrews and Catholic epistles

Week twelve: Revelation. Some thoughts on and insights into the book of Revelation,