Studying the text of the New Testament; the authors and the world in which it is created; Jewish lives under Roman occupation; the apocalyptic mood of the first and second centuries C.E.; early Christians' evangelism beyond the Jewish communities.
EPISODE 1
The Paradox of the New Testament
The New Testament is comprised of 27 books by more than a dozen authors; it is also presented as a single, unified text; the paradox of one book versus many; how historians view the New Testament; why they are excited by its diversity of voices.
EPISODE 2
The Jewish Origins of Christian Faith
Looking at ancient Judaism for context about the birth of Christianity before delving into the New Testament; exploring key stories and themes of the Old Testament to understand the world of Jesus of Nazareth.
EPISODE 3
1 Thessalonians and Paul's Ministry
The New Testament includes many types of narratives; the first episode on Paul's epistles; reflecting on the chronologically earliest book of the New Testament; the structure of a Pauline letter; what his mission of evangelism is all about.
EPISODE 4
The Salvation of Gentiles in Galatians
A look at Paul's letter to the Galatians; in it, he offers a rebuke to a congregation he believes has backslid after his departure; why he believes it is important to establish faith in Jesus as the one and only quality that gets one into heaven.
EPISODE 5
Romans on God, Faith, and Israel
Paul's letter to the Romans is his masterpiece; he writes this letter to introduce himself and his teachings to lay the groundwork for his arrival; unpacking the key message of his theology, namely that one is made righteous through faith in Christ.
EPISODE 6
Community Conflicts in 1"``2 Corinthians
Considering one tension inherent to Christian congregations; in Paul's theology, everyone is equal in the eyes of the Lord; yet, Corinth is prosperous; how Paul reconciles economic, intellectual and educational diversity with religious unity.
David Brakke
