NBST 517 Introduction to the New Testament Church

This course provides an overview of the New Testament book from Acts to Revelation. Introducing the history of the early church and the New Testament letters, this course examines the text, the historical background, and the doctrinal teachings of these books.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

This course is essential for understanding the theological and historical foundations of the New Testament Church. It equips the student to interpret key biblical texts from Acts to Revelation within their original context and apply their teachings to contemporary ministry.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 75-100 words. For each thread, the student must support his/her assertions with at least 2 scholarly citations in current Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C)

Passage Outline: Acts Assignment

The student will develop a Bible study on a passage in the book of Acts. The assignment will demonstrate contextual knowledge of the chosen passage, a study of a selection of verses, and apply the text for Christian life and ministry. The student must select a passage that is at least 10 verses in length, and the assignment must be 800-1200 words in length. A minimum of 3 biblical sources and 3 scholarly citations is required. Current Turabian format is required. (CLO: A, B, C)

Interactive Book Critique Assignment

The student will interact with Matthew Thiessen’s book on the Apostle Paul, analyzing and reflecting on the book’s portrayal of the Apostle Paul and his role in the New Testament early church. The assignment must be 2000-2500 words in length and be in current Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C)

New Testament Project Assignment (3)

The student will complete a 3-tiered project on a book of the New Testament that is covered in this course. The project will consist of a book overview, passage study, and live teaching and reflection. (CLO: A, B, C)

New Testament Project: Part 1 – Book Overview Assignment

The student will use the provided template to complete the Book Overview Assignment on a New Testament book between Acts and Revelation. The project must follow the word count requirements found in the template, include at least 3 references from 3 unique scholarly sources, and be in current Turabian format. 

New Testament Project: Part 2 – Key Passage Assignment

The student will use the provided template to develop a Bible study on a key passage from the New Testament Project: Part 1 – Book Overview Assignment. The assignment should be 1500-2000 words in length, include 3 biblical and 3 scholarly citations, and be in current Turabian format.

New Testament Project: Part 3 – Teach and Reflect Assignment

Including the background information of New Testament Project: Part 1 – Book Overview Assignment but focusing on the passage of New Testament Project: Part 2 – Key Passage Assignment, the student will teach a Bible study to others in a setting of his/her choosing. The teaching should be 20-30 minutes in length. After teaching, the student must complete a reflection and interaction with an attendee and fill out the provided template following all word count requirements in current Turabian format.