Pauline Epistles
- Arts
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 69 pages
- 13 units
This course introduces students to the Pauline Epistles, focusing on the life, times, and theological contributions of Paul. It explores the socio-political and religious contexts that shaped Paul's writings, examining key themes such as justification by faith, the relationship between law and grace, and the nature of the early church. The course also delves into the literary structure and historical background of each epistle.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 200 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS214, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS214 · UNIT 2: THE POLITICAL WORLD OF PAUL
So far so great students. We have had a piece of the history of Palestine politically. I believe our discussion so far has been interesting. We will now discuss the social aspect of life in Palestine. Nevertheless, before doing that, can you attempt engaging in this activity I have included here students?
What you should be able to do
- Understand the historical and cultural context of Paul's epistles
- Analyze the key theological themes in Paul's writings
- Evaluate the literary structure and style of the epistles
- Assess the impact of Paul's teachings on the early church
- Apply Pauline principles to contemporary Christian life
- Compare and contrast different interpretations of Paul's epistles
What it prepares you for
- Theologian
- Religious Educator
- Pastor
- Missionary
- Biblical Scholar
- Religious Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Missionary Work
- Theological Research
- Community Outreach
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- MODULE 3: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Unit 3: The Religious and Philosophical World of Paul
The unit requires understanding of complex philosophical concepts and their influence on early Christian thought, demanding critical analysis and synthesis of diverse ideas.
- Modules 4: Pastoral Epistles
Unit 1: An introduction to the Pastoral Epistles
The unit presents conflicting arguments regarding Pauline authorship, requiring careful evaluation of historical, linguistic, and theological evidence to form an informed opinion.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 45 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1MODULE 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Unit 1: The Life and Times of Paul · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Explore Paul's birth, nationality, and dual citizenship.. Understand his education under Gamaliel and Pharisaic background.. Reflect on the significance of his conversion experience..
- Week 2MODULE 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Unit 2: The Political World of Paul · 3 hours
Study Unit 2: Analyze the political landscape of Palestine during Paul's time.. Examine the influence of Alexander the Great and Roman occupation.. Discuss the social dynamics and religious groups..
- Week 3MODULE 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Unit 3: The Religious and Philosophical World of Paul · 3 hours
Review Unit 3: Investigate the Jewish and Greco-Roman religious backgrounds.. Explore philosophical schools like Platonism, Epicureanism, and Stoicism.. Consider their impact on Paul's teachings..
- Week 4MODULE 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Unit 4: The Epistles: An Introduction · 3 hours
Study Unit 4: Define an epistle and its structure.. Examine the form of Hellenistic and Pauline epistles.. Identify literary traditions in Paul's writings..
- Week 5MODULE 2: THE MISSIONARY EPISTLES
Unit 1: The Thessalonian Correspondence · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Understand the city of Thessalonica and Paul's ministry there.. Analyze the authorship, date, and occasion of the Thessalonian epistles.. Explore the message and theology..
- Week 6MODULE 2: THE MISSIONARY EPISTLES
Unit 2: Epistle to the Galatians · 3 hours
Study Unit 2: Investigate the destination and authorship of Galatians.. Analyze the literary form and occasion for the epistle.. Explore the message and theology related to law and grace..
- Week 7MODULE 2: THE MISSIONARY EPISTLES
Unit 2: Epistle to the Romans · 3 hours
Read Unit 3: Examine the ancient city of Rome and the church there.. Analyze the authenticity, date, and occasion of Romans.. Explore the message related to God, revelation, reconciliation, justification, and sanctification..
- Week 8MODULES 3: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Unit 1: Epistle to the Ephesians · 3 hours
Study Unit 1: Investigate the destination and authenticity of Ephesians.. Analyze the occasion and message of the epistle.. Focus on cosmic Christology and ecclesiology..
- Week 9MODULES 3: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Unit 2: Epistle to the Colossians · 3 hours
Read Unit 2: Understand the ancient city of Colossae and the church there.. Analyze the authenticity, date, and occasion of the epistle.. Explore the message related to Christology and ethics..
- Week 10MODULES 3: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Unit 3: Epistle to Philemon · 3 hours
Study Unit 3: Introduce the epistle to Philemon.. Analyze the occasion, authenticity, and date.. Explore the theological significance related to slavery and forgiveness..
- Week 11MODULES 3: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Unit 4: Epistle to Philippians · 3 hours
Read Unit 4: Examine the ancient city of Philippi and the church there.. Analyze the authorship, place, and date of writing.. Explore the message and theology related to steadfastness in times of trial..
- Week 12Modules 4: Pastoral Epistles
Unit 1: An introduction to the Pastoral Epistles · 3 hours
Study Unit 1: Explore the authenticity of the Pastoral Epistles.. Analyze arguments for and against Pauline authorship.. Understand the historical and theological context..
- Week 13Modules 4: Pastoral Epistles
Unit 2: First Epistle to Timothy · 3 hours
Read Unit 2: Understand the recipient of First Timothy.. Analyze the situation and date of the epistle.. Explore the message related to apostolic doctrine, worship, leadership, and social responsibilities..
Unit 3: Epistle to Titus · 3 hours
Study Unit 3: Understand the recipient of Titus.. Analyze the situation and date of the epistle.. Explore the message related to duties in the church, home, and public life..
Unit 4: Second Epistle to Timothy · 3 hours
Read Unit 3: Analyze the situation and date of Second Timothy.. Explore the message related to guarding, suffering, continuing, and preaching the gospel..
Preparing for the exam
- Create timelines of Paul's life and missionary journeys.
- Develop concept maps linking key theological themes across epistles.
- Practice essay questions comparing different interpretations.
- Review the historical and cultural context of each epistle.
- Summarize the main points of each unit and module.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS214 about?
This course introduces students to the Pauline Epistles, focusing on the life, times, and theological contributions of Paul. It explores the socio-political and religious contexts that shaped Paul's writings, examining key themes such as justification by faith, the relationship between law and grace, and the nature of the early church. The course also delves into the literary structure and historical background of each epistle.
How many units does CRS214 have?
CRS214, Pauline Epistles, has 13 units across 4 modules, over 69 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS214?
CRS214 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Arts.
Is CRS214 hard?
CRS214 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does CRS214 take to study?
About 200 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is CRS214 assessed?
CRS214 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What can I do with CRS214?
Theologian, Religious Educator, Pastor, Missionary and Biblical Scholar.