New Testament Survey: Acts-Revelation

A study of the Acts to Revelation in the framework of the history of the early church. Lesson 11's audio is missing. A transcript of the lesson is provided.

You may download Dr. Schreiner's complete course outline By clicking on the Resource link and then the Class Outline link. An outline for each lecture displays when you click on the Outline tab on each lecture page.

Dr. Schreiner has developed a system for exegesis. The "Flow and Tracing" handout gives you some information about how he does it. Some lectures include audio of Dr. Schreiner applying this method to specific passages. Dr. Schreiner recommends that you read the chapter in his book, "Interpreting the Pauline Epistles" along with this handout before you try this process.

Article on Divorce and Remarriage – Craig Blomberg, Trinity Journal, 1990

Are There Two Wills in God, John Piper (essay)

Recovering Biblical Manhood and Biblical Womanhood, Wayne Grudem and John Piper (article by Vern Poythress entitled, “The Church as a Family”) (CBD)

About the Professor

Thomas Schreiner

Thomas Schreiner, an expert on the Pauline Epistles, is the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky. He has an extensive background in teaching and has authored various books on biblical interpretation and theology.

Lessons

Acts is a continuation of the gospel of Luke, which is a historical account of the life and ministry of Jesus. Acts begins with the 40 days that Jesus was on earth after his resurrection, and continues with his ascension and the work of the Holy Spirit in the early church.

Dr. Schreiner was not able to record this lecture for the class, but he provided a transcript that we were able to read to create an audio recording. Acts Chapter 1 is an account of Pentecost and the first times the apostles proclaim gospel publicly.

The kerygma is the proclamation of the gospel to nonbelievers. The first presentations were made to people who were familiar with the teachings of the Old Testament. (Begins on page 6 of the outline)

The kerygma is the proclamation of the gospel to nonbelievers. The first presentations were made to people who were familiar with the teachings of the Old Testament. Steven’s speech and Paul’s conversion are significant events. (Begins on page 6 of the outline under Acts: Outline Summary, point I, F.) (43:40)

Beginning in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, Paul calls us to watch for the second coming of Jesus by being aware that there will be a great falling away from the faith in the body of Christ and the Lawless One will appear. When God calls us, his calling creates life. (43:16)

God chose not the wise, powerful or noble, but the foolish, weak and despised so that we would know that our relationship with God is based on what Christ did, not what we do. Paul boasts in the power of God, not the wisdom or eloquence of his arguments. The only way we know about God is when the Spirit reveals him to us.

The core problem of the Corinthians is pride. God turns everything for our benefit, even things that cause pain or death. The fight of faith is to believe this, even when circumstances are difficult. Only God can judge a person’s relationship to God. (43:36)

It’s better to be cheated than to take a fellow believer to court. If you are a fully devoted follower of Christ, your behavior will show it. (44:35)

Paul believes in cultural flexibility and contextualization. Paul uses the example of a race as a picture of be motivated to live well. He is saved and needs to live in a way to be saved. Whether or not to eat meat offered to idols is still a significant issue in some cultures. (41:23)

Audio content is missing at this time for 1 Corinthians chapters 12-16, 2 Corinthians and Romans chapter 1. However, a transcription and outline for this material is provided.