Introduction to the New Testament

The New Testament is the most significant collection of writings from the ancient world. This collection of books has been regarded as the Church’s Scriptures since the first centuries of her existence, providing for the Church her primary witness to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. They did not fall into the Church’s lap, ready-made and leather-bound into a single book. Rather, they were written by a variety of authors in a variety of places throughout the first and early second centuries. They have different theological perspectives and emphases. This course will be a guide to recognizing and analyzing these books both individually, so as to respect their distinct theological voices, as well as a canon of Scripture read by the Church.

Course Content

Unit 1: The Greco-Roman and Jewish Backgrounds to the New Testament

• The Political Situation of the Second Temple Era 
• The Diversity of Judaism at the time of Christ 
• What kinds of literature do we have in the New Testament? 

Unit 2: The Gospels 

• The Synoptics and John
• Questions of Authorship: Who wrote the Gospels? 
• Matthew’s Gospel: The Jewishness of Jesus

Unit 3: Gospels 

• Mark’s Gospel: Jesus the Man of Action
• Luke’s Gospel: Jesus the Universal Savior 
• How to Read a Parable 

Unit 4: Acts

• The beginnings of the Church’s mission to the world
• Peter’s Missionary Journey 
• Paul’s Missionary Journey 

Unit 5: Other Letters

• 1 Peter
• Jude
• 1 John  

Unit 6: Canon and Interpretation

• Ecclesiological and Christological Exegesis
• The Canon of the New Testament

Course Format

• Created by Notre Dame Theology Professor.
• Seven weeks in duration, with one week for orientation.
• Typically 15-20 students in each course.
• All readings provided online.
• Supplemental readings are provided to encourage further exploration of topic, internet links provided for these readings.
• Written assignments (200-250 words) required.
• Facilitator moderated Zoom sessions with students in course.

Participation Requirements

• Watch weekly video lectures and read assigned texts; keep notes, questions, and comments for class discussion.
• Participate in the class discussion using the Forums area: post at least 2 comments, questions, or responses per unit.
• Respond to the assignment in each unit.
• Participate in at least 4 scheduled Zoom sessions throughout the course.
• Complete the course evaluation.

Time Expectations

4 to 6 hours per week, depending on your learning style and schedule.

Course Certificate

A certificate of completion awarding 35 contact hours will be sent upon completion of all course requirements.