Instructor(s)

The New Testament documents were written in the same region and during the same time that the Graeco-Roman Empire was also establishing itself as the global super-power. The empire finally fell apart, as all human civilizations must do. But Christianity and the New Testament has consistently continued to shape the nations and civilizations of the world. As a consequence of this co-emergence of the two entities, it is virtually impossible to fully interpret the language and theological ideas of the New Testament and fruitfully apply it for Christian doctrine and practice without understanding the social, historical, cultural and religious background of the Graeco-Roman Empire of the time. This course is aimed at helping students navigate aspects of this background to equip them to be seasoned Christian workers able to rightly divide the Word of God.
In that regard the course provides a general overview of the contextual backgrounds of the New Testament documents and furnishes important ideas for their exegetical interpretation. It is designed as an undergraduate elective of three (3) credit hours. However, given the fundamental and foundational nature of the knowledge it covers, the course is recommended to all students of any level including the graduate level. The insights gained from the study will certainly be of benefit to any and every Christian interpreter of the New Testament. The topics, learning outcomes, reading materials, examples, and exercises have all been set to be as wide ranging and helpful as possible with these objectives in mind.