New Testament Theology Lecture Notes

Overview of New Testament I

• Focus on content and skillset for interpreting the biblical text.
• Key skill: Exegesis and historical critical method.
  • Exegesis: Interpreting texts in their historical-cultural contexts.
  • Historical Critical Method: Using history, grammar, literary criticism to understand text.
• Resources: Dead Sea Scrolls, Midrash, Targums, Greco-Roman sources.
• Importance of understanding assumed knowledge in texts (e.g., who the Pharisees were).

Tools for Biblical Interpretation

• Greek language as a tool for deeper understanding.
• Textual criticism: Understanding text variants and their theological implications.
• Translation issues: Different translations indicate interpretational challenges.
• Importance of word studies and sentence diagramming.
• Historical cultural studies: Understanding the historical context of biblical characters and events.

Transition to New Testament II

• Focus on systematizing teachings into overall theology or doctrine.
• Importance of viewing texts within the larger biblical canon.
• Systematic theology: Understanding doctrines by piecing together biblical teachings.

Challenges in New Testament Theology

• Various approaches: Word studies, author-based approaches, historical context.
• The role of the Old Testament in understanding the New Testament.

Differences Between Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology

• Biblical Theology: Focuses on the biblical world, using categories and language found in the Bible.
  • Preserves the original language and context.
  • E.g., "God repents" - preserving the scandalous language of the Bible.
• Systematic Theology: Organizes and articulates the truth of the gospel in contemporary terms.
  • Logical and hierarchical, focuses on the big picture.
  • Aims to make biblical language relevant to modern culture.
• Need for both disciplines to inform each other and avoid distortion.

New Testament Theology as a Bridge

• Acts as a bridge between biblical theology and systematic theology.
• Translates concepts from biblical texts into systematic theology.
• Ensures systematic theology is informed by biblical witness.
• Addresses contemporary issues (e.g., gaming) with insights from biblical and systematic theology.

Example: Addressing Modern Issues with New Testament Theology

• Video Gaming: Viewed through the lens of sacramental theology.
  • Biblical Theology: Examines sacraments like baptism and the Lord's Supper.
  • Systematic Theology: Considers the theological framework of sacramentalism.
  • New Testament Theology: Bridges these to address modern issues like gaming.
  • Conclusion: Gaming as a faux sacrament where the individual is the main character rather than Christ.

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These notes capture key points from the lecture on New Testament Theology, covering the transition from New Testament I to II, the role and challenges of theology, and how it can be applied to modern-day issues.