This course introduced students to the major contours of the literary and theological content of John’s writings. Our study of the Fourth Gospel will focus on John’s unique contributions in comparison to those of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The second half of our course will examine the purpose and message of the Johannine epistles (1–3 John), with special attention to the cultural and historical context of John’s ministry. This course will also include a miniseries on the book of Revelation, which John recorded during his time of exile on the island of Patmos. By the end of the term, students should have much deeper familiarity with the theology and travels of the Apostle John.
“Christmas means that, through the grace of God and the incarnation, peace with God is available; and if you make peace with God, then you can go out and make peace with everybody else. And the more people who embrace the gospel and do that, the better off the world is. Christmas, therefore, means the increase of peace—both with God and between people—across the face of the world.”