This study will explore the epistles in the New Testament, with a focus on understanding their historical context, literary features, and theological themes.
Week 1: Introduction to the Epistles
- Overview of the epistles in the New Testament
- Historical and literary context of the epistles
- The diversity of the epistles and their genres
Week 2: The Letter of James
- Overview of the letter of James
- Structure and literary features of James
- The theme of faith and works in James
Week 3: The First Letter of Peter
- Overview of the first letter of Peter
- Structure and literary features of 1 Peter
- The theme of suffering and hope in 1 Peter
Week 4: The Second Letter of Peter and the Letter of Jude
- Overview of the second letter of Peter and the letter of Jude
- Structure and literary features of 2 Peter and Jude
- The theme of false teachers and apostasy in 2 Peter and Jude
Week 5: The First Letter of John
- Overview of the first letter of John
- Structure and literary features of 1 John
- The theme of love and obedience in 1 John
Week 6: The Second and Third Letters of John
- Overview of the second and third letters of John
- Structure and literary features of 2 and 3 John
- The theme of truth and love in 2 and 3 John
Week 7: The Letter to the Hebrews
- Overview of the letter to the Hebrews
- Structure and literary features of Hebrews
- The theme of Christ’s superiority and the new covenant in Hebrews
Week 8: The Letters of Paul (selected)
- Overview of selected letters of Paul (e.g., Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, etc.)
- Structure and literary features of selected Pauline letters
- Theological themes in selected Pauline letters