Understanding the New Testament

Understanding the New Testament is an edifying and highly informative lecture series, part of The Great Courses Signature Collection 2019 release. This series is designed for all who desire deeper, more comprehensive knowledge about the New Testament of the Christian bible.

The show comprises a comprehensive collection of 24 half-hour lectures, each designed to delve into specific aspects of the New Testament, from the historical, cultural, religious, and literary points of view. The lecture series aims not merely to present facts, but to guide viewers in understanding the nuances and complexities of the text – offering an immersive, multifaceted, and thought-provoking educational experience.

Understanding the New Testament is led by Professor David Brakke, Ph.D., the Joe R. Engle Chair in the History of Christianity and a Professor of History at The Ohio State University. Dr. Brakke, as an expert scholar of Christianity's early period and the history of Christianity in the Roman world, guides viewers with an expert hand. His deep knowledge and passionate delivery make each lecture engaging and enlightening.

The show starts by setting the stage – exploring the historical context of the New Testament, examining the political and social environment of the first century Mediterranean world. It introduces viewers to key historical figures and events, looking at Roman governance, Jewish sectarianism, and the diverse influences that shaped the developing Christian movement. It also offers a general overview of the New Testament, outlining the texts and their chronology.

After this foundational introduction, the series progresses chronologically, beginning with Paul's Epistles - which represent the earliest Christian documents - and then walking viewers through each book's content, context, intention, and influence.

In Understanding the New Testament, Professor Brakke doesn't just present facts but encourages critical thinking. He highlights the interpretive challenges posed by the text and encourages viewers to grapple with these challenges themselves. The series fosters a deeper understanding of the New Testament by asking viewers to engage with the text in a meaningful way, recognizing its complexity and varied interpretations.

Diving into the four Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - the series looks at their respective perspectives and representations of Jesus, as well as the early Christian communities for which these gospels were written. In particular, the series explores the distinctive portrait each Gospel paints of Jesus, examining the diverse ways He is depicted as a healer, teacher, king, and servant.

Another critical aspect that this series delves into is the variety of literature styles present in the New Testament, from parables and epistles to prophetic and apocalyptic texts. This is beautifully tied together with an in-depth examination of how the language, style, and literary form of each book serve their theological messages.

The show further explores the Acts of the Apostles, presenting an intriguing narrative of the early Christian community, followed by the examination of the Epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude. These provide an insightful perspective into the guidance offered to early Christian communities grappling with their religious identity and the ethical implications of their faith.

The lecture series concludes its study of the New Testament with a deep dive into the book of Revelation, analyzing its enigmatic symbolism and apocalyptic narrative, as well as evaluating its impact on Christian theology, liturgy, and art.

The value of Understanding the New Testament lies not merely in the wealth of information but in the way it guides viewers to engage with the New Testament creatively and empathetically. This series encourages viewers to appreciate the New Testament not just as an instrument of faith, but also a masterpiece of literature, a source of insightful socio-cultural commentary, and a complex, multifaceted historical document.

Whether you're a Christian seeking deeper comprehension of your faith, a student of religious studies, a history enthusiast, or anyone curious about the foundations of Western culture and philosophy, Understanding the New Testament promises a riveting and enlightening journey into one of the most influential documents in human history.