Wayland Baptist University
New Testament History RLGN 1302
Division of Religion and Philosophy
Phoenix Fall 2016
Mr. Steve French 1st Southern Baptist Church, Glendale
Monday 5:30 – 9:40 PM
E-mail: Work Phone: 623-937-9216
Church office hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00am-4:30pm
Cell: 623-330-8808 (texts are fine)
I. Course Number and Title: RLGN 1302 New Testament History
II. Catalog Description: A study of the background, theological content and application of the New Testament
III. Prerequisite: None
IV. Resources
A. Required Textbook:
1. The NIV Study Bible, Zondervan, 2011.
B. Supplemental Textbook:
2. The Learning Bible, “New International Version,” American Bible Society, 2003.
V. Course Outline and Calendar
August 22-26, 2016 (Class Meeting #1)
Reading Assignment: The NIV Study Bible (NSB) pp. 1570-1578
The Learning Bible (TLB) pp. 1821-1846,2322
Topics for Discussion: Introduction to the course
Historical Background of the New Testament
Social - Political Background
New Testament Records
August 29-September 2, 2016 (Class Meeting #2)
Quiz #1: Blackboard “The Historical/Societal Background of the New Testament”
Reading Assignment: NSB 1580-1596; Matthew chs. 1-4
NSB 1695-1706; Luke chs. 1-2
NSB 1648-1657; Mark chs. 1-3
NSB 1756-1769; 1814-1819; John chs. 1-3
Topics for Discussion: The Synoptic Gospels
Events Surrounding the Birth of Jesus
The Virgin Birth of Jesus
The Pre-existence and Pre-eminence of Christ (Jesus)
The Purpose of the Life and Ministry of Jesus
EXAM 1 Blackboard (one week to complete exam, due via email to Instructor on or before
Monday, September 5, at 11:59 PM)
No Class Meeting on September 5, 2016 (Labor Day Holiday)
September 12-16, 2016(Class Meeting #3)
Reading Assignment: TLB 1857,1876,1890,1932,1998,2006,2021,2058,2081,2087,2264
NSB 1856-1864, 1884-1893; Matthew chs. 5-7,16,18-20
NSB 1927-1937, 1940-1943; Mark chs. 4-7,9
NSB 1725-1740, 1741-1743; Luke chs. 10-17,19
NSB 1772-1788, 1795-1796a; John chs. 5-10; 14:1-14
Topics for Discussion The Great Galilean Ministry
The Miracles Performed by Jesus
The Sabbath Controversies
The Sermon on the Mount
The Parables of Jesus
Jesus on Marriage and Divorce
Christ Jesus Establishes His Church
Jesus’ Claims to Be Divine
Conflicts with Jewish Religious Leaders
September 19-23, 2016 (Class Meeting #4)
Quiz #2: Blackboard “The Purpose of Jesus’ Ministry”
Reading Assignment: TLB 1894,1914,2027,2030,2072,2091,2045
NSB 1626-1647; Matthew chs. 21-28
NSB 1683-1694; Mark chs. 14-16
NSB 1741-1755; Luke chs. 19-24
NSB 1788-1809; John chs. 11-21
NSB 2145-2162a; Revelation chs. 1-9
Topics for Discussion: The Entry into Jerusalem
The Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus
The Resurrection of Christ Jesus
Post-Resurrection Appearances of Christ Jesus
Hades and Paradise
Signs of the End of Time
September 26-30, 2016 (Class Meeting #5)
Quiz #3: Blackboard “The Death and Resurrection of Jesus”
Reading Assignment: TLB 2082,2106,2125,2127,2135,2136,2144,2150,2177
NSB 1796b-1799; John 14:15-16:24
NSB 1820-1868a; Acts chs. 1-20
Topics for Discussion: Pentecost, Kerygma and Conflict
The gift of God’s Holy Spirit
Saul’s Conversion; Peter’s Ministry
Paul’s Three Missionary Journeys
October 3-7, 2016 (Class Meeting #6)
Exam #2 in class Monday, October 3
Reading Assignment: TLB 2362,2171-2172,2206,2219,2251,2254
NSB 2088-2297; James chs. 1-5
NSB 1969-1980; Galatians chs. 1-6
NSB 1919-1944a; I Corinthians chs. 1-14
NSB 1950-1958a; II Corinthians chs. 1-4
NSB 2034-2044; I Timothy chs. 1-6
NSB 2049b; II Timothy 3:10-17
NSB 2059-2062; Philemon
Topics for Discussion: Acts: The Christian Council at Jerusalem
James: Faith without works is dead?
Galatians: Apostasy within a local church
Learn and live by the Word of God
Being filled and led by God’s Holy Spirit
The Spiritual giftedness of the Christians
October 10-14, 2016 (Class Meeting #7)
Quiz #4: Blackboard “The Life Lived by Faith in Christ Jesus”
Reading Assignment TLB 2210,2243,2277,2295
NSB 2018-2027; I Thessalonians chs. 1-5
NSB 2028-2032; II Thessalonians chs. 1-3
NSB 2162b-2170a, 2173-2175a Revelation chs. 10-16, 19-20
NSB 1944b-1949; I Corinthians chs. 15-16
NSB 1958b-1968; II Corinthians chs. 5-13
NSB 2045-2051; II Timothy chs.1-4
NSB 2052-2058; Titus chs. 1-3
Topics for Discussion: Earthly Tents and Heavenly Dwellings
The “Rapture” of the Saints
The Second Coming of Christ
The Resurrections of the Living and the Dead
The Millennial Kingdom of Christ
The Final Judgment and Hell
October 17-21, 2016 (Class Meeting #8)
Quiz #5: Blackboard “The Second Coming of Christ Jesus and the Resurrections of the Dead”
Reading Assignment TLB 2181,2287
NSB 1868b-1883; Acts chs. 21-28
NSB 1886-1918; Romans chs. 1-16
NSB 1981-2007; Ephesians chs. 1-6; Philippians chs. 1-4;
NSB 2008-2017; Colossians 1-4
Topics for Discussion: Acts: Paul’s Imprisonment and Journey to Rome
New Testament Theology and Major Doctrines
Finding strength in times of troubles and trials
Prayer
Origins
October 24-28, 2016 (Class Meeting #9)
Quiz #6: Blackboard “Finding Salvation and Strength When Life is Hard”
Reading Assignment TLB 2329-2330,2335-2336,2344-2346,2350,2351,2391,
NSB 2063-2086; Hebrews
NSB 2138-2144; Jude
NSB 2121-2137; 1, 2, 3 John
NSB 2175b-2177; Revelation chs 21-22
Topics for Discussion: Christ Jesus, the final Sacrifice for sin, High Priest, and King
God is Love
Heaven
Quiz #7: Blackboard “Experiencing the Love of God and Finding Fulfillment in Life”
ALL QUIZZES MUST BE COMPLETED and delivered to Instructor via email by Friday, October 28 at 11:59 PM
October 31-November 5, 2016 (Class Meeting #10)
Final Exam in class Monday, October 31
VI. Outcome Competencies
Students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of the historical, religious, and social context of the New Testament world.
Demonstrate knowledge of the canonical process producing a more complete understanding of the New Testament.
Demonstrate knowledge of some of the critical methods used in New Testament studies.
Demonstrate an understanding of the basic content of the New Testament and its main teachings (theological content).
Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the historical person, Jesus Christ.
VII. Course Requirements
1. Reading Assignments—Students are expected to read the assignments each week from The NIV Study Bible including the introductions to the various books that will be studied each week. Students should read introductions to the various books and notes related to assigned readings.
2. Attendance and Participation. Students enrolled at one of the University’s external campuses should make every effort to attend all class meetings. All absences must be explained to the instructor, who will then determine whether the omitted work may be made up. When a student reaches that number of absences considered by the instructor to be excessive, the instructor will so advise the student and file an unsatisfactory progress report with the campus dean. Any student who misses 25 percent or more of the regularly scheduled class meetings will receive a grade of “F” for the course. Additional attendance policies for each course as defined by the instructor in the course syllabus, are considered part of the University’s attendance policy.
3. Blackboard: Students will watch Blackboard for announcements or special materials that may be put on Blackboard by the professor in preparation for the following week’s class. Weekly quizzes and one exam will be posted on the Blackboard.
VIII. Tests and Grading
1. There will be 3 major exams including the final exam. Exams will cover the required reading assignments and information from class lectures and material on Blackboard. All exams shall be “open book” and “open notes,” but shall be completed by the student alone without the assistance of any other person or website for information. Each exam will be worth 25% of the student’s grade. Make up exams will be given for excused absences. Students will have 2 weeks to make up the exam. Students who miss an exam for an unexcused absence will not be allowed to make up the exam.
2. A quiz will be posted the Blackboard after each class meeting. All quizzes shall be “open book” and “open notes,” but shall be completed by the student alone without the assistance of any other person or website for information. The student should strive to complete weekly quizzes and email them back to Instructor each week prior to the next class meeting. All quizzes must be completed and returned to the instructor via email by Friday, October 28, at 11:59 pm. An average of scores on the quizzes will comprise the final 25% of the student’s grade. No make-ups will be allowed for the quizzes.
3. Students making a grade of 59 or lower on Exams 1 or 2 will be allowed to retake the exam in order to raise the grade to 70. The maximum score possible for a retake exam is 70. Students shall have 2 weeks to retake the exam from the originally scheduled time.
IX. University Grading System
A 90-100 I Incomplete
B 80-89 Cr For Credit
C 70-79 NCr No Credit
D 60-69 WP Withdrawal Passing
F Below 60 WF Withdrawal Failing
W Withdrawal
X. Provisions for Special Needs
It is University policy that no otherwise qualified disabled person be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity in the University.
XI. Plagiarism Policy
Intellectual integrity and truthfulness are fundamental to scholarship. Plagiarism is a form of cheating. Plagiarism occurs when a student fails to give proper credit when information is either quoted or paraphrased or when a student takes credit for another person’s work. Plagiarism may result in an “F” for the course or expulsion from the class or the University.
XII. Syllabus
This syllabus is not a contract. It can be changed or altered at any time by the instructor. The instructor will notify students of any changes.
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