BSNT 645 BOOK OF REVELATION Dr. Johnny Pressley Summer 2014 Cincinnati Bible Seminary May 19-23 3 semester hours Cincinnati Christian University Mon-Fri The Book of Revelation course is a graduate level study of the final book of the New Testament. The course will provide background information regarding the writing of Revelation, summarize various approaches that have been used in its interpretation, and present a verse-by-verse exposition of each chapter in Revelation. The exegesis will use the first century context and Old Testament references to seek a meaning appropriate for the original readers as well as a practical relevance for the church today. Upon completion of this course you should be able to: Give the basic introductory data pertaining to the book of Revelation (i.e., author, recipients, occasion, date, purpose, etc.) Describe the literary style of Revelation and how it is similar to other apocalyptic literature Describe the most popular methods used to interpret Revelation Summarize the basic story line and meaning of each one of the major sections of Revelation Course Requirements Attendance (10% of semester grade) Reading (30% of semester grade) Research paper (25% of semester grade) Exams (35% of semester grade) Intensive Schedule Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 10 am 6 pm 8 am 6 pm 8 am 4 pm 8 am 6 pm 8 am 3 pm Due Dates June 6 - Exam 1 June 27 - Reading 1 June 13 - Exam 2 July 4 - Reading 2 June 20 - Exam 3 July 18 - Research paper Final deadline for submitting any late work (with penalty): Friday July 25
2 Late Work Assignments received after a due date are late a. Minus 5 points each day an assignment is late b. Last date to submit a late assignment: Friday July 25 c. Penalties are based upon the date an assignment is received by Dr. Pressley d. Early work is always received gladly Moodle Course information, lecture handouts, and grades will be posted online on Moodle (Handouts will be posted on Moodle May 15) a. Find a link to Moodle on MyCCUniversity or on the CCU homepage b. Login with your username (student ID number) and password c. Need help with login: Contact our IT department Attendance 1. Attendance will be checked throughout the day and time missed will be logged 2. Course limit for being absent: No more than 6 hours 3. Attendance grade scale (rounded to the nearest hour): 0 absence = 100 4 hours = 88 1 hour = 97 5 hours = 85 2 hours = 94 6 hours = 82 3 hours = 91 6+ hours = Dropped Exams 1. The exams will be posted on Moodle for you to complete after the week of lecture 2. A study guide describing the scope and content of each exam will also be posted on Moodle
3 Readings 1. Exegetical commentaries a. This will be your opportunity to see perspectives other than Pressley on interpreting the book of Revelation b. Select 14 commentaries of your choice 1) Reputable, good quality (within their interpretive perspective) 2) Variety in interpretive perspectives is recommended 2) Some notable suggestions Beale, G. K., The Book of Revelation (1999) Beasley-Murray, George. The Book of Revelation (1974) Bruce, F. F. The Revelation of John (1969 Caird, G. C. The Revelation of St. John (1966) Davis, Christopher, Revelation (2000) Foster, Lewis. Revelation (1990) Hendriksen, William. More Than Conquerors (1982) Hughes, Philip E. The Book of Revelation (1990) Kistemaker, Simon. Revelation (2001) Ladd, George Eldon. A Commentary on the Revelation of John (1972) LaHaye, Tim. Revelation Unveiled (1999) Michaels, J. Ramsey, Revelation (1997) Morris, Leon. The Book of Revelation (1987) Mounce, Robert. The Book of Revelation (1998) Osborne, Grant. Revelation (2002) Summers, Ray. Worthy Is the Lamb (1951) Witherington, Ben III. Revelation (2003) c. For each of the 14 chapters assigned from Revelation below, read the appropriate commentary section in one of your selected 14 commentaries 1) One commentary per Revelation chapter 2) No commentary used twice for this project 3) 14 different commentaries total d. Reading 1: Revelation chapters 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 e. Reading 2: Revelation chapters 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 2. Reading reports a. Submit a typed report for each of the two readings b. Divide each reading report into 7 sections c. Within each section 1) Identify the Revelation chapter for that section 2) Give bibliographic data for the commentary read for that chapter 3) Describe the author s perspective on interpreting Revelation 4) Note comments you consider most interesting, or most in error 5) Give your personal assessment of the value of this commentary for other readers
4 3. Typing instructions a. Typed single-spaced, 1 inch margins on all sides b. First person ( I... ) can be used with discretion c. First reference to a person: first and last names; thereafter: last name only d. Term paper style title page 4. Grading will take into account a. The quality of your comments (i.e., good summary and analysis, good expression, etc.) b. The quality of your commentary selections c. The general appearance of the report (i.e., spelling, grammar, and neatness appropriate for graduate level work) d. No credit for skimming pages e. All reading must have been read within the last 3 months to receive credit 5. Submission May be submitted by email attachment, or a paper copy delivered to Pressley s office Research Paper 1. Write and submit an original research paper related to our study a. Topics must be approved in advance by Pressley b. You may discuss your proposed topic in person with Pressley during the week of class, or send an email proposal (Johnny.Pressley@CCUniversity.edu) 1) Give enough description that Pressley can understand what you intend to do 2) Approval (or rejection) will be given by email Reply 2. Length a. 8-12 pages b. Not counting title page or bibliography 3. Typing instructions a. Typed double-spaced, 1 inch margins on all sides b. A type font size similar to the text on this page (Times New Roman, 12) c. Letter quality print that can be read easily d. Traditional term paper format (with footnotes and bibliography) or parenthetical references (with bibliography) e. Formal third person (no first person) f. First reference to a person: first and last names; thereafter: last name only g. 7+ good reference sources h. Term paper style title page 4. Grading will take into account a. The quality of the content (i.e., appropriate research, careful thought, good expression, etc.) b. The general appearance of the term paper (i.e., spelling, grammar, and neatness appropriate for graduate level work) 5. Submission May be submitted by email attachment, or a paper copy delivered to Pressley s office
5 Course-Embedded Research Project 1. A Bible major wishing to take this course for CERP credit should submit the proper form no later than the week of class 2. Use the same instructions given above for research papers with the following modifications: a. 10+ good reference sources b. CERP length: 25+ pages 3. Due date: July 25 Grade Scale A (100 95) B+ (91 89) C+ (82 80) D+ (73 71) A (94 92) B (88 86) C (79 77) D (70 68) B (85 83) C (76 74) D (67 65) Miscellaneous 1. Any part of this course and its expectations may be revised by the professor as needed, with fair notice to be given in class 2. To contact Dr. Pressley outside of class: Office: in the Seminary building, Study 2 Phone: (513) 244-8104 Email: Johnny.Pressley@CCUniversity.edu Mailing address: Dr. Johnny Pressley, Cincinnati Christian University, P. O. Box 4320, Cincinnati, OH 45204