Course Description

Welcome to NTBS 203! This course explores the “General” or “Catholic” Epistles: Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, and Jude. While the Pauline epistles were often addressed to specific churches, these letters were written to a broader audience of early believers. Together, they form a rich collection of pastoral counsel, deep theological arguments, and urgent practical instructions. We will examine their unique contributions to New Testament theology and learn how to apply their timeless wisdom to the challenges of Christian living, especially in the face of suffering and false teaching.

Course Structure

This course is composed of five chapters, each building upon the last to provide a comprehensive understanding of the General Epistles. 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:

• Identify Key Contexts: Recognize the authors, intended audiences, historical settings, and primary purposes of each of the General Epistles.
• Grasp Major Themes: Articulate the central theological themes, such as the supremacy of Christ (Hebrews), the nature of living faith (James), hope in suffering (1 Peter), the danger of false teaching (2 Peter & Jude), and the fellowship of love and truth (1-3 John).
• Apply Practical Wisdom: Translate the ethical and practical instructions from these letters into a modern context for personal Christian living and ministry.
• Engage with a Legal and Messianic Perspective: Analyze the arguments, particularly in Hebrews and James, through the dual lenses of Evangelical legal scholarship and Messianic Jewish thought.
• Strengthen Doctrinal Foundations: Solidify their understanding of Christology, soteriology, and ecclesiology as presented in these foundational texts.
• Enrich Your Faith: Develop a deeper appreciation for the pastoral heart and theological depth of these vital New Testament documents.

Course Outline

Chapter 1: The Unsurpassable Supremacy of the Son (Hebrews)

• Lesson 1: Better than Angels, Greater than Moses (Hebrews 1-3)
• Lesson 2: Our Great High Priest, Melchizedek (Hebrews 4-7)
• Lesson 3: A Better Covenant, A Perfect Sacrifice (Hebrews 8-10)
• Lesson 4: The Hall of Faith: A Cloud of Witnesses (Hebrews 11)
• Lesson 5: The Discipline of the Lord & A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken (Hebrews 12-13)

Chapter 2: Faith That Works: The Wisdom of James (James)

• Lesson 1: The Testing of Your Faith (James 1)
• Lesson 2: The Sin of Partiality & Faith Without Works is Dead (James 2)
• Lesson 3: Taming the Tongue & The Wisdom from Above (James 3)
• Lesson 4: Drawing Near to God (James 4)
• Lesson 5: Patience in Suffering & The Prayer of Faith (James 5)

Chapter 3: A Living Hope: A Manual for Exiles (1 Peter)

• Lesson 1: An Inheritance Kept in Heaven for You (1 Peter 1)
• Lesson 2: A Living Stone, A Holy Nation (1 Peter 2)
• Lesson 3: Submission and Suffering for the Sake of Christ (1 Peter 2-3)
• Lesson 4: Stewards of God’s Grace, Armed for Suffering (1 Peter 4)
• Lesson 5: Shepherd the Flock and Resist the Devil (1 Peter 5)

Chapter 4: Contending for the Faith (2 Peter & Jude)

• Lesson 1: The Precious Promises of God (2 Peter 1)
• Lesson 2: The Rise and Ruin of False Teachers (2 Peter 2)
• Lesson 3: The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief (2 Peter 3)
• Lesson 4: Contend for the Faith Once for All Delivered to the Saints (Jude 1-16)
• Lesson 5: Keep Yourselves in the Love of God (Jude 17-25)

Chapter 5: Walking in Light and Love (1, 2, & 3 John)

• Lesson 1: God is Light; Walk in the Light (1 John 1-2)
• Lesson 2: The Children of God and the Command to Love (1 John 3)
• Lesson 3: Test the Spirits, for God is Love (1 John 4)
• Lesson 4: The Victory and Assurance of Faith (1 John 5)
• Lesson 5: Walking in Truth, Love, and Hospitality (2 & 3 John)

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.