BL524 – Encountering New Testament Authors

Professor Jesse Watkins, M.A.T.S
Fall Session – October 7, 2023Introduction to the course:

When reading through the pages of the New Testament, it is easy to get caught up in doctrines and forget that scripture was written by living men, who had encountered the Lord Jesus.  Each of these men had distinct qualities, coming from distinct backgrounds, which shape how the Spirit used them to record the writings of the New Testament.
In this course, you will examine the culture, background, and personality of three men who were used by God to encourage the church through scripture.  You will examine in detail the life of Paul the Apostle, Peter the Disciple and Preacher, and Luke the Evangelist.  Special note will also be given to how these men interacted together, and their personal relationship with one another.  Coming away from this course, you will have a fresh encounter with their story, and how each of them became radically devoted followers of Jesus.  This course will encourage a more robust understanding of their individual writings, their objectives, and the ability to interpret and teach these scriptures in context.

                        Syllabus

Course Description: In this course, you will examine the culture, background, and personality
of three men who were used by God to encourage the church through scripture. You will
examine in detail the life of Paul the Apostle, Peter the Disciple and Preacher, and Luke the
Evangelist. Special note will also be given to how these men interacted together, and their
personal relationship with one another. Coming away from this course, you will have a fresh
encounter with their story, and how each of them became radically devoted followers of Jesus.
This course will encourage a more robust understanding of their individual writings, their
objectives, and the ability to interpret and teach these scriptures in context.

Course Objectives:
● Differentiate the cultural backgrounds of Paul, Peter, and Luke
● Demonstrate proficiency in recognizing traits and objectives particular to each author
● Define how their personal relationships enhanced one another’s ministry

Required Text and Media:
● One Faithful Life: A Harmony of the Life and Letters of Apostle Paul, by John MacArthur
● Origin of the Pharisees During the 2nd Temple Period (paper by Jesse Watkins)
● Paul, Apostle of Christ (Movie), 2018

Required Assignments:
1. Using selected chapters from “One Faithful Life”, along with the other sources and your
Bible, compose a 3-page paper answering the following questions:
a. Why do you think Apostle Paul spent so much time in his letters arguing against
observance to the Old Covenant law?
b. How does the nature of Peter’s vision in Acts 10 relate to the ministry of Paul?
c. How did Luke’s history as a Physician contribute to his recording of scripture?
2. Your paper should be 11 point font, double spaced, with your name in the top right
header.
3. You should include citations in your paper with parenthesis like this: (Macarthur, 117),
(Watkins, 12), or (1 Timothy 5:17).
4. Your paper will be due on December 3rd, at 11:59 PM.

● For any questions, please contact me at watkins.jm@gmail.com