Introduction to New Testament History and Literature with Professor Dale B. Martin

This course provides a historical study of the origins of Christianity by analyzing the literature of the earliest Christian movements in historical context, concentrating on the New Testament. Although theological themes will occupy much of our attention, the course does not attempt a theological appropriation of the New Testament as scripture. Rather, the importance of the New Testament and other early Christian documents as ancient literature and as sources for historical study will be emphasized. A central organizing theme of the course will focus on the differences within early Christianity (-ies).

  1. Introduction: Why Study the New Testament?

  2. From Stories to Canon

  3. The Greco-Roman World

  4. Judaism in the First Century

  5. The New Testament as History

  6. The Gospel of Mark

  7. The Gospel of Matthew

  8. The Gospel of Thomas

  9. The Gospel of Luke

  10. The Acts of the Apostles

  11. Johannine Christianity: the Gospel

  12. Johannine Christianity: the Letters

  13. The Historical Jesus

  14. Paul as Missionary

  15. Paul as Pastor

  16. Paul as Jewish Theologian

  17. Paul's Disciples

  18. Arguing with Paul?

  19. The "Household" Paul: the Pastorals

  20. The "Anti-household" Paul: Thecla

  21. Interpreting Scripture: Hebrews

  22. Interpreting Scripture: Medieval Interpretations

  23. Apocalyptic and Resistance

  24. Apocalyptic and Accommodation

  25. Ecclesiastical Institutions: Unity, Martyrs, and Bishops

  26. The "Afterlife" of the New Testament and Postmodern Interpretation