Synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles is taught for two semesters at Divine Word Seminary (SS201 and SS202). SS201 or Synoptics I is designed to prepare the students to a critical and theological study of the Synoptic Gospels (SS202 or Synoptics II). This preparation involves the study of issues usually taken up in Introduction to the New Testament but with emphasis on the Gospels. The following is the coverage: the Greco-Roman world; Judaism in the time of Jesus; the New Testament Canon; the traditions of Jesus in their Greco-Roman context; the Christian Gospels in general; the Christian Gospels in particular (Mark, Matthew, Luke and John); the literary genres in the Synoptic Gospels; the Acts of the Apostles; other gospels in early Christianity; and methods of interpreting the Gospels.
Objectives of the Course
1. Students will obtain familiarity with the world of the New Testament.
2. Students will gain a positive view of Judaism in the time of Jesus.
3. Students will be introduced to major critical issues in the interpretation of the Gospels including questions of authorship, literary structure, genres, canon formation, and major theological themes.
4. Students will be aware of the debates on the New Testament apocrypha especially the non-canonical gospels.
5. Students will develop a set of analytical tools for developing and assessing interpretations of the Gospels.
6. Students will be inspired to have a passion for further study of the Synoptic Gospels
Objectives of the Course
1. Students will obtain familiarity with the world of the New Testament.
2. Students will gain a positive view of Judaism in the time of Jesus.
3. Students will be introduced to major critical issues in the interpretation of the Gospels including questions of authorship, literary structure, genres, canon formation, and major theological themes.
4. Students will be aware of the debates on the New Testament apocrypha especially the non-canonical gospels.
5. Students will develop a set of analytical tools for developing and assessing interpretations of the Gospels.
6. Students will be inspired to have a passion for further study of the Synoptic Gospels
