The New Testament

This course builds on the foundation created in Theology 101 (“The Old Testament”) by examining the relationship between the Old Testament and the New, and how the covenants of the former are fulfilled in the New Covenant that Christ establishes in the latter. This is done through an exploration of the history, Christology, and ecclesiology of the books of the New Testament, beginning with the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and the Gospel of John. The course then proceeds to study the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles, the Book of Revelation, and later first-century letters.

Unit 1: The Synoptic Gospels
This unit lays a foundation for New Testament study by outlining the overall structure of the New Testament. It then considers the three synoptic Gospels, particularly their individual themes and how these themes are expressed through the Evangelists’ narrative choices.

Unit 2: The Gospel of John
This unit focuses on the Gospel of John and its unique emphases and themes. It examines the saving work of Christ by establishing it within the covenantal framework established in the fall semester.

Unit 3: Acts of the Apostles
This unit follows the story of the Early Church from the Upper Room in Jerusalem throughout the ancient world. It highlights the pivotal role of Sts. Peter and Paul, ending with St. Paul’s imprisonment in Rome.

Unit 4: Saint Paul
This unit examines the Pauline and Deutero-Pauline letters of the New Testament. It establishes St. Paul’s major themes and how these themes are expressed throughout his letters.

Unit 5: The Catholic Letters
This unit contains a brief survey of the Catholic Letters, those letters of the New Testament that are not attributed to St. Paul.

Unit 6: Revelation and the Church Fathers
This unit concludes the study of the New Testament with Revelation (also known as the Apocalypse). Finally, the course concludes by introducing the Apostolic Fathers, the friends and students of the apostles and their immediate successors in the Church.