General Epistles
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Central Bible College

BI-272—General Epistles & Revelation

 

Professor: David Arnett

Office Phone: 833-2551 (Ex. 1150)

Cell Phone: 224-5325 (emergencies)

Office: Welch 134

Web Site www.DavidArnett.com

E-mail: DArnett@cbcag.edu

 

 

& COURSE SYLLABUS &

 

Mission Statement

Central Bible College is an Assemblies of God institution of higher learning having a Bible-centered curriculum designed to educate and train ministers, missionaries, and Christian workers to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in and through the local church.

 

Course Description

A biblical-theological study of the books of Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude.  Key passages are analyzed and interpreted after a study of each book’s background material, structure, and major themes.  The messages and visions of Revelation are examined, and various views and interpretations are investigated. Prerequisite: BI-163 Introduction to Gospels.

 

Course Objectives

As a result of his or her experiences in this course of study, the student should be able to:

1.       Demonstrate a mastery of the introductory matters (authorship, audience, date, occasion, etc.) pertaining to each book in the General Epistles and Revelation.

2.       Explicate a synthetic view (key concepts, key words, key verses, theme, and outline) of each book in the General Epistles and Revelation.

3.       Display an ability to do independent research by completing the memorization, reading, and listening assignments.

4.       Exhibit interpretive methods appropriate for exegesis of and preaching from the General Epistles and Revelation.

5.       Summarize the theological content of the General Epistles and Revelation.

6.       Apply the principles of the General Epistles and Revelation to contemporary church life through participation in evangelism and Christian service.

7.       Project attitudes necessary for functioning successfully as a church leader in an antagonistic society.

Course Textbooks

&   Gaebelein, Frank (ed).  The Expositor’s Bible Commentary.  Vol 12.  Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981.

&   The Holy Bible (NIV will be used in class and for memorization).

 

Course Methodology

1.       Library, Internet, and personal research in the General Epistles and Revelation.

2.       Reading of the assigned portions of the textbook and various handouts.

3.       Scripture memorization.

4.       The completion of a study guide.

5.       Four examinations (over class notes, handouts, textbook reading, and Scripture memorization).

 

Course Requirements

 

The requirements for BI-272 (4) are as follows:

 

1.      Study Guide #1 (05%) should be completed on or before Friday, February 03 — Using the Bible, the textbook (pages 03-158), books, journals, and/or the Internet, complete the study guide over the Book of Hebrews (see below).  The study guide should include both the question and a careful, complete answer.  It is recommended that the student take the electronic copy of this syllabus, create space under each question, and then fill in his or her answer.  Since the "questions" are being repeated, the answers do not have to be complete sentences.  A word or phrase may be sufficient.  The student must complete the study guide without assistance from any other parties. A printed copy of the document should be submitted to the professor via e-mail on or before due date.

 

2.       Exam #1 (20%) should be completed on or before Friday, February 03 — It will cover the study guide questions over the Book of Hebrews, pages 03-158 in the textbook and the memorization of Hebrews 9:23-28 in the New International Version.  There will be one question inquiring whether the textbook reading has been done or not.  Memorization will be tested by means of a matching section (study accordingly).  The memorization will take some doing.  It is recommended that the student write the verses on 3 x 5 cards and drill them whenever there is a spare minute.

 

3.      Study Guide #2 (05%) should be completed on or before Friday, March 03  — Using the Bible, the textbook (pages 161-254), books, journals, and/or the Internet, complete the study guide over the Books of James and First Peter (see below).  The study guide should include both the question and a careful, complete answer.  It is recommended that the student take the electronic copy of this syllabus, create space under each question, and then fill in his or her answer.  Since the "questions" are being repeated, the answers do not have to be complete sentences.  A word or phrase may be sufficient.  The student must complete the study guide without assistance from any other parties. A printed copy of the document should be submitted to the professor via e-mail on or before due date.

 

4.       Exam #2 (20%) should be completed on or before Friday, March 03  — It will cover the study guide questions over the Books of James and First Peter, pages 161-254 in the textbook and the memorization of James 1:22-25 and First Peter 4:12-16 in the New International Version.  There will be one question inquiring whether the textbook reading has been done or not.  Memorization will be tested by means of a matching section (study accordingly).  The memorization will take some doing.  It is recommended that the student write the verses on 3 x 5 cards and drill them whenever there is a spare minute.

 

5.      Study Guide #3 (05%) should be completed on or before Friday, April 07 — Using the Bible, the textbook (pages 257-289 and 381-396), books, journals, and/or the Internet, complete the study guide over the Books of Second Peter and Jude (see below).  The study guide should include both the question and a careful, complete answer.  It is recommended that the student take the electronic copy of this syllabus, create space under each question, and then fill in his or her answer.  Since the "questions" are being repeated, the answers do not have to be complete sentences.  A word or phrase may be sufficient.  The student must complete the study guide without assistance from any other parties. A printed copy of the document should be submitted to the professor via e-mail on or before due date. 

 

6.       Exam #3 (20%) should be completed on or before Friday, April 07 — It will cover the study guide questions over the Books of Second Peter and Jude, pages 257-289 and 381-396 in the textbook and the memorization of Second Peter 1:10-11 and Jude 1:20-23 in the New International Version.  There will be one question inquiring whether the textbook reading has been done or not.  Memorization will be tested by means of a matching section (study accordingly).  The memorization will take some doing.  It is recommended that the student write the verses on 3 x 5 cards and drill them whenever there is a spare minute.

 

7.      Study Guide #4 (05%) should be completed on or before Friday, April 28 — Using the Bible, the textbook pages 399-603, books, journals, and/or the Internet, complete the study guide over the Book of Revelation (see below).  The study guide should include both the question and a careful, complete answer.  It is recommended that the student take the electronic copy of this syllabus, create space under each question, and then fill in his or her answer.  Since the "questions" are being repeated, the answers do not have to be complete sentences.  A word or phrase may be sufficient.  The student must complete the study guide without assistance from any other parties. A printed copy of the document should be submitted to the professor via e-mail on or before due date.

 

8.       Exam #4 (20%) should be completed on or before Friday, April 28 — It will cover the study guide questions over the Book of Revelation, pages 399-603 in the textbook and the memorization of Revelation 21:6-8 in the New International Version.  There will be one question inquiring whether the textbook reading has been done or not.  Memorization will be tested by means of a matching section (study accordingly).  The memorization will take some doing.  It is recommended that the student write the verses on 3 x 5 cards and drill them whenever there is a spare minute.

 

Course Grading

The course grade will be determined by the student’s successful completion of the assignments and will be calculated as follows.

ž      05% = Study Guide –

ž      20% = Exam #1 –

ž      05% = Study Guide –

ž      20% = Exam #1 –

ž      05% = Study Guide –

ž      20% = Exam #1 –

ž      05% = Study Guide –

ž      20% = Exam #4 –

 

The student may keep a running tally of his or her grade by using the form below:

 

1.        Study Guide #1 (05%)                                              (% score x .05)                _______

2.        Exam #1 (20%)                                                           (% score x .20)             +_______

3.        Study Guide #2 (05%)                                              (% score x .05)                _______

4.        Exam #2 (20%)                                                           (% score x .20)             +_______

5.        Study Guide #3 (05%)                                              (% score x .05)                _______

6.        Exam #3 (20%)                                                           (% score x .20)             +_______

7.        Study Guide #4 (05%)                                              (% score x .05)                _______

8.        Exam #4 (20%)                                                           (% score x .20)             +_______

        Accumulated Points                                     (100 points possible)             =_______

 

 

Unit #1: Assignments & Learning Objectives (Study Guide)

 

Study Guide #1 (05%) — Using the Bible, the textbook (pages 03-158), books, journals, and/or the Internet, complete the study guide over the Book of Hebrews (see below).  The study guide should include both the question and a careful, complete answer.  It is recommended that the student take the electronic copy of this syllabus, create space under each question, and then fill in his or her answer.  Since the "questions" are being repeated, the answers do not have to be complete sentences.  A word or phrase may be sufficient.  The student must complete the study guide without assistance from any other parties.  A printed copy of the document should be submitted to the professor via e-mail on or before due date.

 

1.          Describe the literary form of the Book of Hebrews (class notes; Morris, 3-4).

2.          Suggest a possible audience or intended readership for the Book of Hebrews (class notes; Morris, 4-5).

3.          Describe what prompted the writing of the Book of Hebrews (class notes).

4.          State the purpose for the writing of the Book of Hebrews (class notes).

5.          Give internal evidence for a possible author for the Book of Hebrews (class notes; Morris, 6-7).

6.          Give external evidence for a possible author for the Book of Hebrews (class notes; Morris, 6-7).

7.          Offer a possible date range for the writing of the Book of Hebrews (class notes; Morris, 8).

8.          Formulate an outline for the Book of Hebrews (class notes; Morris, 10-11).

9.          Fully identify the one by whom God has spoken to us in these last days (1:1-3).

10.         Give evidence that the Son is superior to the angels (1:4-14).

11.         Name the danger to those who do not heed the message of salvation announced by the Lord (2:1-4).

12.         Explain how Jesus was “made a little lower than the angels.”  State the reason AND the result of this action (2:5-18).

13.         Specify how Jesus is superior to Moses (3:1-6).

14.         Describe the danger of having one’s heart hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (3:7-19).

15.         State what is required to enter the Sabbath-Rest and disqualifies one from entering it (4:1-11).

16.         Describe the nature of the standard that will be used in determining whether one is qualified or disqualified from the Sabbath-Rest (4:12-13).

17.          Explain why Jesus is a better high priest than Aaron and how He can help us enter the Sabbath-Rest (4:14-5:10).

18.         Using a Bible dictionary, define “apostasy.”

19.         Detail what is involved in the “falling away” described by the writer of Hebrews (6:4-8).

20.         State how one may avoid apostatizing (6:9-12).

21.         Identify Melchizedek (5:6, 10; 7:1-3).

22.         Explain how Melchizedek is a superior high priest to the Levitical priesthood (7:4-10).

23.         List the ways in which the priesthood of Jesus was like that of Melchizedek (7:11-28).

24.         Explain why a new and better covenant was necessary (8:1-13).

25.         Draw a diagram of the Tabernacle and its contents (9:1-5).

26.         Prepare a chart that contrasts the ceremonies of the old covenant and those of the new covenant (9:6-15).

27.         State what is required for a will (testament) to become effective.  Explain why (9:16-22).

28.         Give two reasons why Christ set aside the old covenant sacrificial system (10:1-10; see especially verse 9b).

29.         State the attitudes and actions that should be practiced by those made holy under the new covenant (10:19-25).

30.         Describe the fate of those who fail to persevere and thereby insult the “Spirit of grace” (10:26-31, 39).

31.         With the examples of the “faithful saints” in mind, explain how faith (as described in 11:1) can help a person persevere in the face of persecution and the temptation to apostatize (11:1-12:3).

32.         Explain how one should view struggles, trials and hardship (12:4-13).

33.         Summarize the lesson one may learn from Esau’s bad example (12:14-17).

34.         Prepare a chart contrasting “Mount Sinai” with “Mount Zion” (12:18-29).

35.         List 12 “exhortations” with which the writer to the Hebrews concludes his book (13:1-19).

36.         Memorize Hebrews 9:23-28 (New International Version):

23 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

 

Exam #1 (20%)  — It will cover the study guide questions over the Book of Hebrews, pages 03-158 in the textbook and the memorization of Hebrews 9:23-28 in the New International Version.  There will be one question inquiring whether the textbook reading has been done or not.  Memorization will be tested by means of a matching section (study accordingly).  The memorization will take some doing.  It is recommended that the student write the verses on 3 x 5 cards and drill them whenever there is a spare minute.

 

 

Unit #2: Assignments & Learning Objectives (Study Guide)

 

Study Guide #2 (05%)  — Using the Bible, the textbook (pages 161-254), books, journals, and/or the Internet, complete the study guide over the Books of James and First Peter (see below).  The study guide should include both the question and a careful, complete answer.  It is recommended that the student take the electronic copy of this syllabus, create space under each question, and then fill in his or her answer.  Since the "questions" are being repeated, the answers do not have to be complete sentences.  A word or phrase may be sufficient.  The student must complete the study guide without assistance from any other parties.  A printed copy of the document should be submitted to the professor via e-mail on or before due date.

 

1.       Give internal evidence for a possible author for the Book of James (class notes; Burdick, 161).

2.       Give external evidence for a possible author for the Book of James (class notes; Burdick, 161).

3.       Offer a possible date range for the writing of the Book of James (class notes; Burdick, 161-162).

4.       Suggest a possible audience or intended readership for the Book of James (class notes; Burdick, 162-163).

5.       Describe what prompted the writing of the Book of James (class notes; Burdick, 163).

6.       State the purpose for the writing of the Book of James (class notes; Burdick, 163).

7.       Summarize the debate over the canonicity of the Book of James (class notes; Burdick, 163).

8.       Describe the literary form of the Book of James (class notes).

9.       Detail the theological value of the Book of James (class notes; Burdick, 164-165).

10.      Formulate an outline for the Book of James (class notes; Burdick, 166).

11.      Explain why a “brother” should count it pure joy when he faces trials of many kinds (1:2-4, 12).

12.      State what one should do if he or she lacks wisdom (1:5-8).

13.      Describe the source and nature of temptation.  List its stages (1:13-15).

14.      List five actions James urges on everyone (1:19-21).

15.      Memorize James 1:22-25 (New International Version):

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-- he will be blessed in what he does.

16.    Describe “pure religion” (1:26-27).

17.    Identify the real issues involved in showing favoritism (2:1-12).

18.    Explain the proper relationship between faith and deeds (2:14-26; compare Ephesians 2:8-9).

19.    State why it is important to tame the tongue (3:1-12).

20.    Prepare a chart comparing the two kinds of wisdom (3:13-18).

21.    Identify the cause of fights and quarrels (4:1-3).

22.    State the danger in becoming a “friend of the world” (4:4-6).

23.    List at least 9 steps one should take to avoid becoming an “enemy of God” (4:7-10).

24.    State the proper attitude one should have toward the future (4:13-17).

25.    List the sins of which some rich people are guilty (5:1-6).

26.    Give 3 examples of people who patiently persevered in the face of suffering while awaiting the Lord’s coming (5:7-11).

27.    State what each of the following should do:  the troubled, the happy, the sick (5:14-16).

 

28.    Give internal evidence for a possible author for the Book of 1 Peter (class notes; Blum, 209-210).

29.    Give external evidence for a possible author for the Book of 1 Peter (class notes; Blum, 210-212).

30.    Offer a possible date range for the writing of the Book of 1 Peter (class notes; Blum, 212).

31.    Suggest a possible audience or intended readership for the Book of 1 Peter (class notes; Blum, 212).

32.    Describe what prompted the writing of the Book of 1 Peter (class notes; Blum, 213).

33.    State the purpose for the writing of the Book of 1 Peter (class notes; Blum, 213).

34.    Detail the theological value of the Book of 1 Peter (class notes; Blum, 214-215).

35.    Summarize the debate over the canonicity of the Book of 1 Peter (class notes; Blum, 215-216).

36.    Describe the literary form of the Book of 1 Peter (class notes).

37.    Formulate an outline for the Book of 1 Peter (class notes; Blum, 218).

38.    Explain WHY the “elect” have suffered “grief in all kinds of trials” (1:6-9).

39.    Describe the price paid to redeem the elect (1:18-21).

40.    Give at least 8 phrases Peter uses to describe the “elect” (2:4-11).

41.    State one possible result of living good lives among the pagans (2:12