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Introduction to the New Testament

Short courses you can take from anywhere, with a certificate at the end.

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The world, the writings and the study of the New Testament

Beginner · 5 hours · Free · Certificate on completion · Taught by A. Zimunya

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This self-study course is for pastors, evangelists, lay leaders and anyone who wants a solid, honest introduction to the New Testament. No previous study of theology is needed. You will explore the political and religious world in which Jesus and the first Christians lived, how the New Testament canon came together, and the main tools scholars use to study the Gospels.

You will then work through the Synoptic Gospels, John, Acts, selected letters of Paul, Ephesians and Colossians, and Hebrews, asking who wrote them, when, where, for whom and why, and what their major themes are. Different scholarly views are presented fairly, and each lesson closes with questions that connect the text to life and ministry in Zimbabwe and Africa today.

What you will learn

  • Describe the political, religious and philosophical background of the New Testament
  • Explain how the New Testament canon was formed
  • Use source, form and redaction criticism and explain the Synoptic Problem
  • Summarise the authorship, date, audience and themes of the Gospels and Acts
  • Outline the main themes of Galatians, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians and Hebrews
  • Apply New Testament teaching thoughtfully to the Zimbabwean context

Course outline

Unit 1: The Political Background of the New Testament (2)
  • The Political Background of the New Testament 10 min
  • Unit 1 quiz 10 min
Unit 2: Religious and Philosophical Movements (2)
  • Religious and Philosophical Movements 10 min
  • Unit 2 quiz 10 min
Unit 3: The Formation of the New Testament Canon (2)
  • The Formation of the New Testament Canon 10 min
  • Unit 3 quiz 10 min
Unit 4: Methods: Source, Form and Redaction Criticism (2)
  • Methods: Source, Form and Redaction Criticism 10 min
  • Unit 4 quiz 10 min
Unit 5: The Synoptic Problem (2)
  • The Synoptic Problem 10 min
  • Unit 5 quiz 10 min
Unit 6: The Gospel of Mark (2)
  • The Gospel of Mark 10 min
  • Unit 6 quiz 10 min
Unit 7: The Gospel of Matthew (2)
  • The Gospel of Matthew 10 min
  • Unit 7 quiz 10 min
Unit 8: The Gospel of Luke (2)
  • The Gospel of Luke 10 min
  • Unit 8 quiz 10 min
Unit 9: The Gospel of John (2)
  • The Gospel of John 10 min
  • Unit 9 quiz 10 min
Unit 10: The Acts of the Apostles (2)
  • The Acts of the Apostles 10 min
  • Unit 10 quiz 10 min
Unit 11: Paul, Galatians and Romans (2)
  • Paul, Galatians and Romans 10 min
  • Unit 11 quiz 10 min
Unit 12: 1 Corinthians (2)
  • 1 Corinthians 10 min
  • Unit 12 quiz 10 min
Unit 13: Deutero-Pauline Letters: Colossians and Ephesians (2)
  • Deutero-Pauline Letters: Colossians and Ephesians 10 min
  • Unit 13 quiz 10 min
Unit 14: The Letter to the Hebrews (2)
  • The Letter to the Hebrews 10 min
  • Unit 14 quiz 10 min

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