Understanding the New Testament

Join a historian to look at the New Testament with a new eye as you gain powerful insights into this influential series of books of the Bible.

Overview

Course No. 6006

This 24-lecture course examines:

• Diverse perspectives of 27 different biblical books
• Historical context of early Christian communities
• Theological development from Jesus to the Church
• Scholarly approaches to biblical interpretation

What You’ll Discover:

✓ How Paul’s letters shaped early Christian theology
✓ The distinct portraits of Jesus in the four Gospels
✓ The transition from Jewish sect to global religion
✓ Controversies and unity in early Christian thought

Video Lectures

Section 1: Paul’s Letters

01-05: Core Pauline Epistles (29-31 min)
Thessalonians, Galatians, Romans – foundational theology

06-09: Community Issues (29-31 min)
Corinthians’ conflicts, Philippians on slavery

Section 2: The Gospels

10-12: Synoptic Gospels (29-31 min)
Mark’s suffering Messiah, Matthew’s new Moses

13-15: Luke-Acts Narrative (29-31 min)
History of salvation and inclusive vision

16-18: John’s Spiritual Gospel (29-31 min)
Divine Word, Jewish tensions, community crisis

Section 3: Later Writings

19-22: General Epistles (30-32 min)
Hebrews, James, Peter, and pastoral letters

23: Apocalyptic Vision (32 min)
Revelation’s symbolic world

Conclusion

24: Unity & Diversity (33 min)
Reconciling multiple voices in one Testament