Encountering the New Testament, 4th Edition
A Historical and Theological Survey
series: Encountering Biblical Studies
Materials available for professors by request only
Chapter
1. Why Study the New Testament?
Discussion Questions
- Ask the students to relate stories from their personal experiences about how the Bible has been in demand on mission fields.
- Ask: What is the value of studying the New Testament as opposed to merely reading it in a devotional manner?
- Ask: What modern application should be made from the text in Acts 17:26, 鈥淔rom one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the time set for them and the exact places where they should live鈥?
- Ask the students to contrast the following interpretations of the New Testament: (a) devotional, (b) literary, (c) political.
Assignment Ideas / Class Activities
- Have students research news sources, the internet, or reflect on personal examples of improper interpretation of the New Testament.
- Let students find various media sources鈥攕ongs, movies, plays, books鈥攖hat show a dependence or influence on the New Testament and have them reflect on what would be lost by not understanding the influence of the New Testament.
- Bring an assortment of Bibles to class to illustrate the importance of Bible translations, including (a) a variety of translations of the Bible (e.g., King James Version, New International Version, New King James Version, New American Standard, Revised Standard Version) and (b) a variety of Bibles translated into different languages.
- Use copies or photographs of uncials, miniscules, and lectionaries to provide illustrations.
- Assignments for Groups
a. Have a group present a ten-minute panel discussion on the work of Bible translators.
b. Present a fifteen-minute debate on the topic, 鈥淩esolved: The Culturally Literate Person Must Be Knowledgeable About the Bible.鈥
c. Present a fifteen-minute round table discussion of why it is important to study the New Testament.