Understanding the Gospels and Acts: Historical and Theological Foundations

Delving into ancient texts requires more than just reading the words on the page; it demands an understanding of the world in which they were written. This text-based course guides you through the historical, literary, and theological landscapes of the four Gospels and the Book of Acts. By reading and analyzing these foundational documents, you will gain a clear perspective on the life of Jesus, the cultural setting of the first-century Mediterranean world, and the rapid expansion of the early Christian movement. What you'll learn: - Understand the distinct literary genres, themes, and theological perspectives of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. - Analyze the historical, geopolitical, and archaeological background of the first-century Greco-Roman and Jewish worlds. - Trace the expansion of the early church in the Book of Acts and how the movement spread across the Roman Empire. - Examine the core teachings of Jesus within their original cultural and linguistic contexts. - Apply basic tools of historical-literary criticism to read and interpret ancient texts responsibly. The course begins with essential terminology, introducing the historical-critical method and the cultural background of the ancient Near East. You will then progress through a systematic reading of each Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, examining major themes, literary structures, and historical touchpoints through written explanations. This course is designed for beginners, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in biblical literature, requiring no prior theological training or knowledge of ancient languages. Start your journey into ancient history and theology today.