New Testament Survey II
This course surveys the New Testament writings from the Gospels through Revelation, examining the life and teachings of Jesus, the growth of the early church, and apostolic letters to believers. Students will read the New Testament systematically, identify key themes and events, and understand how each book fits into the larger narrative of God's redemptive work. The course emphasizes direct engagement with Scripture to build familiarity with the text and equip students for future ministry.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze the four Gospel accounts to identify their distinctive emphases and understand how they present Jesus's life, death, and resurrection.
- Trace the expansion of the early church from Jerusalem to the Gentile world as recorded in Acts.
- Examine Paul's missionary journeys and his letters to churches, identifying the pastoral and theological concerns he addressed.
- Evaluate the general epistles for their teaching on Christian conduct, faith, and endurance.
- Synthesize the apostolic teaching on Christ's person, redemption, and the believer's identity in light of Jesus's return.
- Interpret the Revelation of John, recognizing its literary genre and central themes about Christ's sovereignty and future triumph.
- Connect New Testament doctrine and practice to the Old Testament foundation and promises.
- Develop a working familiarity with the geography, cultural context, and timeline of first-century Christianity.
Syllabus
Overview
New Testament Survey II continues directly from New Testament Survey I, which covered the four Gospels and the book of Acts. This course covers the rest of the New Testament: Paul's letters to churches and individuals, the general epistles, and the book of Revelation. Students will trace how the apostles applied the gospel to real, developing churches - correcting error, building doctrine, and shaping Christian conduct - and will finish the course with Revelation's vision of Christ's ultimate victory and the new heaven and new earth. Throughout, students will observe how New Testament authors develop core doctrines such as justification, sanctification, the church, and the hope of Christ's return.
Reading Plan
Weeks 1-2: Romans. Weeks 3-4: 1 Corinthians. Week 5: 2 Corinthians. Week 6: Galatians. Week 7: Ephesians. Week 8: Philippians and Colossians. Week 9: 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Week 10: 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. Week 11: Philemon and Hebrews 1-6. Week 12: Hebrews 7-13. Week 13: James. Week 14: 1 Peter. Week 15: 2 Peter and Jude. Week 16: 1, 2, and 3 John. Weeks 17-18: Revelation.
Required Materials
A personal Bible in one of the following standard translations: ESV, NIV, NASB 1995, CSB, LSB, or NLT; a notebook or journal for reading notes and reflection.
Grading & Completion
Assessment focuses on engagement with Scripture and demonstration of comprehension. Students complete weekly reading assignments and a short weekly quiz covering that week's material. A final exam covering the entire course is available once every week has been passed.
Course Outcomes
- Upon completion, students will be able to locate and summarize the major events and teachings in each New Testament book and explain the purpose each book served in the early church.
- Upon completion, students will be able to identify key themes (such as justification, sanctification, the kingdom of God, and Christ's return) across multiple New Testament writings and trace their development.
- Upon completion, students will be able to read a New Testament passage, determine its literary context and genre, and draw sound interpretive conclusions grounded in the text.
- Upon completion, students will be able to explain how the life and work of Jesus Christ, as presented in the New Testament, fulfills Old Testament expectation and forms the foundation for Christian faith and practice.
Weekly Lessons
Lessons for this course are coming soon.