Welcome to the Course
Hear the New Testament in Its First-Century World. Watch the six modules below in order. Before you begin, download the Course Workbook and the Discussion Guide so you can work through each module's pages and questions.
Module 1: Reading Responsibly
Key question: What are we actually doing when we study the Bible "in context"?
Learn to separate four steps that often get blurred together: word study, historical context, interpretation, and application. Use the Module 1 workbook pages and discussion questions (downloads at the top of this page) after you watch.
Module 2: How Greek Words Work
Key question: Why does one Greek word never equal one English definition?
Learn to spot the root fallacy, anachronism, and "totality transfer," and see why context decides meaning. Use the Module 2 workbook pages and discussion questions (downloads at the top of this page) after you watch.
Module 3: Grace, Faith, and Gospel
Key question: What did Paul's core vocabulary sound like in the Roman world?
Hear how charis, pistis, and euangelion worked in everyday first-century life, and how Paul uses them. Use the Module 3 workbook pages and discussion questions (downloads at the top of this page) after you watch.
Module 4: Honor, Shame, Patronage, and Loyalty
Key question: How did social values shape the way the gospel was heard?
Explore four social values of the Roman world and learn to recognize them in New Testament passages. Use the Module 4 workbook pages and discussion questions (downloads at the top of this page) after you watch.
Module 5: Kingdom, Messiah, and Lord
Key question: What did it mean to confess Jesus as king under Caesar?
Discover what "Jesus is Messiah" and "Jesus is Lord" communicated in a world ruled by Caesar and shaped by Israel's hope. Use the Module 5 workbook pages and discussion questions (downloads at the top of this page) after you watch.
Module 6: A Study Practice for Life
Key question: How do I keep doing this on my own?
Leave with a repeatable six-step study method and a plan for your next month of study. Use the Module 6 workbook pages and discussion questions (downloads at the top of this page) after you watch.