Syllabus for New Testament Survey I (NTE 501)

Front Range Bible Institute

Instructor Peter Wise (Fall 2024)

I. Course Description

The first of two courses which together survey the entire New Testament, with a focus on

understanding the major contents of each book. Examines literary structure, historical backgrounds,

geographical settings, and parallel passages to enhance comprehension and application to

contemporary issues and concerns.

II. Course Objectives

A. To present the outline and flow of each NT book.

B. To discuss the author, date, recipients, occasion, theme and major emphases of each Bible book.

C. To see each NT book in relation to other parts of Scripture, especially the Old Testament.

D. To provide analysis of key passages.

E. To understand the Biblical theology of each book individually and in relationship to other books of

Scripture.

III. Required Course Materials

A. The MacArthur Study Bible or MacArthur Bible Commentary (almost the same)

B. Pocket Bible Handbook: Nelson’s Pocket Reference Series

C. One survey book of your choice, from the instructor’s list of recommended survey books

D. Ordination Practicum, by Richard Mayhue (The Master’s Seminary). Pages from this book will be

given out to students in class.

IV. Course Requirements

A. Attendance

Each student should be faithful in attendance. If a student must miss a class, he must watch the

lecture. The student is completely responsible for making up any work missed and for securing

any material missed in absence.

B. Assignments

1. Bible Reading – Read assigned passages from each Bible book.

2. Class Reading

a. All of the relevant survey book readings from the book of your choice (from the

instructor’s list of recommended survey books)

b. Read the section from the Pocket Bible Handbook (great outlines and overviews)

c. Masters level only: Read journal articles and commentary excerpts emailed each week.

d. Students will be asked to report the approximate percentage of reading done at the end

of the semester.

3. Reading responses from MacArthur’s Study Bible or Commentary

a. Each NT book will have short-answer reading responses from The MacArthur Study

Bible/Bible Commentary. They are due each week. Grade reduction for excessive late

work.

4. Weekly Outline Quizzes.

Memorize the theme and outline of each book (from Ordination Practicum).

Be able to tell where you would find the key chapters of each book.

V. Course Schedule

Class

Topic(s)

Introduction to the Gospels

Matthew, pt. 1

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Acts

Hebrews

James & 1 Peter

2 Peter & Jude

Revelation

List of Supplementary NT Survey Books

Pick one of these survey books to for part of your required reading each week.

Recommended Supplementary Books for the NT Survey Include:

Fee, Gordon D., and Douglas K. Stuart. How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour. Grand Rapids,

MI: Zondervan, 2002. Helpful survey by respected Biblical scholars.

Geisler, Norman L. A Popular Survey of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1977. This excellent survey

is very readable and highly informative. Material is well organized, with outlines, charts, and study questions.

These themes are part of what gives the book its devotional warmth. One of the top surveys of the NT of all

time— highly recommended!

Hays, J. Daniel, and J. Scott Duvall, eds. The Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker

Books, 2011. Excellent summaries, beautiful photographs and maps, and helpful sections such as “What is at

the heart of Exodus?,” “What makes Exodus interesting and unique?,” What is the message of Exodus?,” and

“Applying Exodus to our lives today.”

Jensen, Irving L. Jensen’s Survey of the New Testament: Search and Discover. Chicago: Moody Press, 1978.

The visual charts alone are worth the price of this book.

Thomas Nelson Publishers. Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps & Charts: Old and New Testaments. Rev.

and updated ed. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1996. Helpful, interesting material throughout. Recommended.

Wilkinson, Bruce, and Kenneth Boa. Talk Thru the Bible. Nashville: T. Nelson, 1983. Packed with information,

interesting, and well-organized. Gold standard for a traditional survey book.