RTS DISTANCE EDUCATION Hebrews through Revelation 0HT522, 3 Credit Hours Lectures by
RTS Distance Education This course notebook is for the coordination of your course materials, including reading assignments and lecture recordings. Each course notebook for RTS Distance Education is arranged by the GUIDE acronym. In every RTS Distance Education seminary class you go from lesson objectives to study questions to midterm and final exams. The five components of GUIDE are organized in each lesson by the following steps in the notebook: GUIDE Getting Started To do the lessons, reading and listening assignments are listed. Understanding To maximize learning, the purposes and objectives are given. Investigating To explore the content, outlines are provided for note taking. Developing To expand content, application questions and readings are suggested. Evaluating To help review, reading and lecture questions are based on objectives. ii
COURSE SYLLABUS Hebrews through Revelation, 0NT522, 3 Credits Lecturing and Professor of Record: Professor Dr. Simon Kistemaker is a distinguished New Testament scholar and Professor of New Testament Emeritus. He continues to teach required and elective courses each semester at RTS Orlando. He holds a doctorate from the Free University of Amsterdam. His major work, the New Testament Commentary, was initiated by Dr. William Hendriksen. Four of the seven volumes, written by Dr. Kistemaker, received the Gold Medallion Evangelical Book of the Year Award. Dr. Kistemaker has written several other books including The Parables of Jesus and The Gospels in Current Study, numerous scholarly articles, and contributions to various reference volumes, including the New Geneva Study Bible. A past president of the Evangelical Theological Society, he also served as its secretary for more than ten years. His international travel is extensive, including speaking and teaching in various countries. Course Description The two leading books in the last segment of the New Testament (NT) canon are the Epistle to the Hebrews and the book of Revelation. Naturally, more attention will be devoted to these two books than to the General Epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude. Yet the epistles, even though some are rather brief, will be given due coverage. Hebrews is an epistle that stands by itself in the NT as an explication of Christ's priesthood. In every chapter the concept of priesthood appears directly and indirectly, so that we can affirm the unknown author's purpose to contribute a full discussion of one of the three offices of Christ. Matthew stresses Christ's kingship, John the office of prophet, and Hebrews the priesthood. Revelation is a summary of the entire Old and NT canon. It features at least 278 OT quotations and allusions in addition to references to NT passages. The author reveals the contrast between God and Satan, Christ and the Antichrist, the Holy Spirit and the false prophet, and the saints in the midst of the world. Guided by the Spirit of God, he portrays his visions picturesquely with many symbols. His purpose is to show the reader that Christ is victorious with the saints sharing this victory. Course Objectives To understand the priesthood of Christ. To be able to explain the message of Revelation. To value the contribution each individual book makes to the canon. To teach and preach the message of salvation presented in these books. Required Textbooks Bruce, F. F. The Epistle to the Hebrews. Rev. ed. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990. iii
Carson, D. A., and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005. Hendriksen, William. More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998. Kistemaker, Simon J. "A Theology of Atonement in Hebrews." Downloadable from the Learning Management System (LMS).. Exposition of James, Epistles of John, Peter, and Jude. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1986-87.. Exposition of the Book of Revelation. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2001.. Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews. In Exposition of Thessalonians, the Pastorals, and Hebrews, by William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984. The above three volumes may be purchased individually or (affordably) as part of the whole New Testament Commentary set. Ladd, George Eldon. A Theology of the New Testament. Rev. ed. Ed. Donald Alfred Hagner. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993. Metzger, Bruce M. Canon of the New Testament. New York: Oxford University Press, 1987. Vos, G. The Teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Nutley, NJ: P & R, 1980; Ed. and re-written by Johannes G. Vos. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2002. All required books are available through the RTS Online Bookstore at <www.rts.edu/bookstore>. iv
COURSE REQUIREMENTS Hebrews through Revelation, 0NT522, 3 Credits Lecturing and Professor of Record: Online Student Handbook The Online Student Handbook has been designed to assist you in successfully navigating the Distance Education experience, whether you are taking a single course or pursuing a certificate or degree program. In it you will find valuable information, step-by-step instructions, study helps, and essential forms to guide you through every aspect of your distance education opportunity from registration to graduation. Please use this resource as your first-stop reference manual. You will find it located at the RTS/Distance website (www.rts.edu/distance) under the Student Services tab. Summary of Requirements Follow the Study Guide provided. Listen to all Recorded Lectures. Complete all Readings. Participate in Forum Discussions (with other students and Professor). Take the Midterm Exam. Take the Final Exam. Submit a Research Paper. Submit Mentor Report/Coure Application Paper. Forum Discussions (15%) The student is required to interact in two (2) forums: 1. Student-Professor Posts (15 total posts) A. 5 Topical Discussion Questions: The student is required to answer each question 1 time (total of 5 posts). B. Student-Professor Forum: The student is required to post 10 times in this forum. 2. Student-Student Forum (5 total posts) A post may be either a new topic or a response to an already existing topic. Examinations (Midterm: 25%, Final: 25%) There are two examinations for this course. The midterm examination will cover the lectures and readings from Lesson One through Lesson Six. The final examination will cover the lectures and readings from Lesson Seven through Lesson Eleven. All exams are to be requested online via the links in the LMS during week 6 for the midterm and week 12 for the Final (more information on the examinations can be found in the LMS). All exams are proctored. Research Paper (30%) Each student is required to submit, at the completion of the course, a 12- to 15 page research paper on a topic from the list given in the section titled Research Paper Topics. The paper should emphasize primary sources whenever possible in addition to secondary v
sources. Give fair treatment to opposing viewpoints. The paper must not be over 15 typewritten pages (12-point type font size, Times New Roman font style or equivalent) and must use the guidelines in the current edition of A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, by Kate L. Turabian (please include a title page, table of contents, headings and sub-headings, footnotes, and a 1- to 5 page bibliography; indicate with an asterisk those entries which you have employed in the writing of the research paper). One of the criteria for evaluating the paper will be style: Is the paper written in a clear, straightforward style of academic prose? Mentor Report/Course Application Paper (5%) Each Global/Non-Residential student is required to have a mentor submit a report at the end of the course. This report will contribute to 5% of the student s grade. For students who are not Global/Non-Residential, you are asked to write a 200 word summary of how you perceive what you have learned in this course will fit into the objectives you have for your ministry, your educational goals, or other objectives you wish to achieve in life. Assignments Best practice for your time management is for you to submit all assignments at the end of the week in which they fall, using the upload links provided in the LMS. All work must be submitted by midnight of the course end date, per your course start letter. You are responsible for turning in all assignments on time; no late submissions are permitted. Any student who needs an extension must get approval from the Registrar prior to that time. Contact Information 2101 Carmel Road Charlotte, NC 28226 (704) 366-4853 1-800-227-2013 FAX: (704) 366-9295 E-mail: dess@rts.edu Web site: www.rts.edu/distance vi
COURSE OUTLINE Hebrews through Revelation, 0NT522, 3 Credits Lecturing and Professor of Record: Lesson One Content of Hebrews. Lesson Two Theology of Hebrews. Lesson Three The Sin against the Holy Spirit. Lesson Four Intro and Theology of James. Lesson Five Intro and Theology of 1 Peter. Lesson Six Intro and Theology of 2 Peter and the Johannine Epistles. Lesson Seven Intro and Theology of Revelation. Lesson Eight Explanation of Rev 1-3. Lesson Nine Explanation of Rev 4, 6, 7, and 12. Lesson Ten Explanation of Rev 13 and 20. Lesson Eleven The Canon of the New Testament. vii
research PAPER TOPICS Hebrews through Revelation, 0NT522, 3 Credits Lecturing and Professor of Record: A. Hebrews. 1. Jesus divinity and humanity in Hebrews 2. The admonitions in Hebrews 3. Jesus temptations and sinlessness 4. The Sabbath rest for God s people 5. Contrasting the priesthoods of Aaron and Melchizedek 6. The sin against the Holy Spirit 7. Melchizedek, the royal priest 8. The high priest and the new covenant 9. The tabernacle in the desert 10. Christ s once-for-all sacrifice 11. The faith of the patriarch Abraham 12. Moses faith and works 13. Contrasting Mount Sinai and Mount Zion 14. The author and the readers of his epistle 15. The authenticity of Hebrews B. Revelation. 1. The Rider on the White Horse 2. The Beast in Revelation 3. A Survey of the Lamb in Revelation 4. The Little Scroll 5. The Number 144,000 6. The Thousand Years 7. Babylon the Great 8. The Recapitulation Theory 9. The Linear Theory 10. The Throne of God 11. The Two Witnesses 12. Prophecy in Revelation 13. History in the Apocalypse 14. Dating the Apocalypse viii
Course Objectives Related to MAR Student Learning Outcomes Course: Hebrews to Revelation Professor: Dr. Simon Kistemacher MAR Student Learning Outcomes In order to measure the success of the MAR curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution Articulation (oral & written) Scripture Reformed Theology of this course to the MAR outcomes. Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. Rubric Strong Minimal None Strong Strong Sanctification Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. Desire for Worldview Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. Winsomely Reformed Teach Church/World MAR Specific SLO Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.) Ability to teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. An ability to integrate such knowledge and understanding into one s own calling in society Minimal Mini-Justification Theology of Heb-Rev - Historical background of Heb-Rev - Significant paper on Heb-Rev Focus on exegesis and understanding the text - Use of original languages - Application to modern circumstances Discuss aspects of Reformed theology in these books, such as eschatology, kingdom of God, and structure of the covenants Texts of Heb-Rev applied to the lives of the students Content of Heb-Rev applied to various aspects of life (e.g., church, work, society, etc.) Survey of critical scholarship and its relevance/application for evangelicals; students are taught good aspects and bad aspects of critical thinking. - Other theological approaches are surveyed and critiqued in a respectful manner. Preaching applications are made regularly from Heb-Rev texts. - Students are equipped to communicate these books via the mode of preaching. Some application is made to broader culture issues, but only in a minimal manner. Students are encouraged to consider their calling and the application of Heb-Rev to this calling. ix