NEW TESTAMENT Introduction

Presbytery of San Francisco Education Center Class

A 10 Hour class in NEW TESTAMENT

May 30-31, 2014
Take you understanding of the Bible to new heights. 

A class for teachers, preachers, church leaders.

Course Description:  This is a “how to” course on reading and understanding the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) of the Bible in their original historical, social and cultural contexts—the Greco-Roman Mediterranean world of the first two centuries of the Common Era. Attention is given to the form and content of these writings and the various methods employed by experts today in their interpretation.

The Teacher will be the Rev. John (Jack) Elliott Professor Emeritus, University of San Francisco D.Th., Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany Jack is known internationally for his research on 1 Peter and as a leading proponent of the social-scientific study of the Bible. For over 34 years Jack taught undergraduates Bible at the University of San Francisco. He has also taught at Concordia Seminary, the Graduate Theological Union, Notre Dame University,  Boston College and at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. He had published many books including the 1000 page commentary on 1 Peter in the Anchor Bible Series. Jack is now lecturing widely in the U.S. and abroad. Jack and his wife Linde live in Oakland and as a Luthern clergyman has been active for over forty years in ministry in the Bay Area.

Required Readings:
Bible, The Holy. RSV or NEW RSV Oxford Annotated Edition. New York: Oxford University Press, latest edition.
Duling, Dennis C. The New Testament. 4th Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2003.
Malina, Bruce J. The New Testament World. Insights from Cultural Anthropology, 3d ed. Louisville:WestminsterJohn Knox, 2001.
Recommended Reading:
Malina, B. J. and R. L, Rohrbaugh. Social-Science Commentary on the Synoptic Gospels. 2 ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2003.
Pre-course Assignment:
Read Duling book before class. As you read the texts (above), record what are—for you—10 key insights that illumine, deepen, or challenge your knowledge and understanding of the New Testament.

In addition, list 5 questions that remain for you—for further study or to be answered in class. This assignment will be collected on Friday evening.

Course Requirements:
1. Attendance at all class sessions.
2. Completion of all readings and pre-course assignment.
3. A final assignment DUE: June 13, 2014. Demonstrating your skill in the exegetical method discussed in class,prepare a 4-5 page exegesis report of ONE of the following passages: Mark 1:1-8; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 4:16-30; Acts 10:34-43; Philippians 2:1-11.
In order to receive a passing grade for the class, ALL work must be completed and turned in no later than June 30, 2014.