Subtitle: A Survey of the Apostle’s Letters to the Churches.

Course Description

Welcome to NTBS 202! This course offers a comprehensive survey of the thirteen epistles written by the Apostle Paul, the Shaliach to the Gentiles. From the foundational doctrines in Romans to the personal instructions in Philemon, we will analyze these critical New Testament documents. This course will approach the epistles from two integrated perspectives: that of a Messianic Jewish Rabbinic Scholar, highlighting Paul’s Jewish context, his use of the Tanakh, and his arguments within a Second Temple Jewish framework; and that of an Evangelical Bible Legal Scholar, focusing on the logical structure of his arguments, the establishment of theological precedents, and the application of divine law and grace. You will gain a profound appreciation for Paul’s theology, his pastoral heart, and the enduring relevance of his letters for the Church today.

Course Structure

This course is composed of five chapters, each building upon the last to provide a complete understanding of the Pauline corpus. Each chapter includes a detailed summary, five in-depth lessons, a chapter test, and an optional “Deep Dive” for further study. The course culminates in a final course test.

• Course: Syllabus + Interactive Syllabus + 5 Chapters + Course Test
• Chapter: Summary + 5 Lessons + Chapter Test + Deep Dive

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Articulate Pauline Theology: Explain Paul’s core theological contributions concerning the Gospel, justification by faith, sanctification, the role of the Law (Torah), and Christology.
• Identify Historical Context: Situate each of Paul’s letters within its specific historical, cultural, and geographical context.
• Analyze from Dual Perspectives: Interpret Pauline texts through the combined lens of Messianic Rabbinic thought and Evangelical legal-theological analysis.
• Trace Argumentative Structure: Outline the logical flow and legal reasoning within Paul’s major epistles.
• Connect to the Tanakh: Identify and explain Paul’s use of Old Testament quotations, allusions, and themes.
• Apply to Modern Life: Draw practical applications from the epistles for personal faith, church life, and ministry.

Course Outline

Chapter 1: The Foundation of the Gospel (Romans, Galatians)

• Lesson 1: The Legal Indictment: The Righteousness of God in Romans 1-3
• Lesson 2: Justification by Faith: The Case of Abraham in Romans 4-5
• Lesson 3: Sanctification and the Law: Life in the Spirit in Romans 6-8
• Lesson 4: The Israel of God: Paul’s Heart for His People in Romans 9-11
• Lesson 5: No Other Gospel: Justification and Freedom in Galatians

Chapter 2: The Corinthian Correspondence & Early Theology (1 & 2 Corinthians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians)

• Lesson 1: Order in the Church: Addressing Division and Immorality in 1 Corinthians 1-6
• Lesson 2: Pastoral Problems: Answering Questions in 1 Corinthians 7-16
• Lesson 3: The Ministry of Reconciliation: Paul’s Apostolic Defense in 2 Corinthians
• Lesson 4: The Comfort of Christ’s Return: Eschatology in 1 Thessalonians
• Lesson 5: The Day of the Lord: Correcting Misunderstanding in 2 Thessalonians

Chapter 3: The Prison Epistles – Christology & Unity (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon)

• Lesson 1: The Heavenly Places: The Believer’s Position in Christ in Ephesians
• Lesson 2: The Mind of Christ: Humility and Joy in Philippians
• Lesson 3: The Supremacy of Messiah: Combating Heresy in Colossians
• Lesson 4: The Gospel of Reconciliation: The Appeal for Philemon
• Lesson 5: The One New Man: Understanding the Unity of Jews and Gentiles in the Body of Christ

Chapter 4: The Pastoral Epistles – Leadership & Doctrine (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus)

• Lesson 1: Guarding the Good Deposit: Instructions for Timothy in 1 Timothy
• Lesson 2: Sound Doctrine and Godly Order: Instructions for the Cretan Churches in Titus
• Lesson 3: Finishing the Race: Paul’s Final Words in 2 Timothy
• Lesson 4: Qualifications for Leadership: Examining the Roles of Elder and Deacon
• Lesson 5: The Household of God: Structure and Ethics for the Local Assembly

Chapter 5: Thematic Synthesis – A Comprehensive Review

• Lesson 1: Paul and the Law: A Legal and Covenantal Perspective
• Lesson 2: Paul’s Christology: The Person and Work of Messiah
• Lesson 3: Paul’s Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation
• Lesson 4: Paul’s Ecclesiology: The Nature and Function of the Church
• Lesson 5: Paul’s Eschatology: The Consummation of All Things

Assessments & Grading

• Chapter Quizzes: Short quizzes will follow each lesson to assess comprehension.
• Chapter Tests: A test at the end of each of the five chapters will review the material covered.
• Final Course Test: A comprehensive final exam will cover the key ideas from all five chapters.
• Passing Requirement: To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher on each of the five Chapter Tests and the Final Course Test.