BIB260 – Biblical Theology of Luke-Acts

Rooted in the premise of Darrell Bock's seminal work, God’s Promised Program, Realized for All Nations: A Theology of Luke and Acts, this course highlights Luke-Acts as a two-part unified work authored by Luke, presenting a cohesive narrative of God’s redemptive plan. Students will explore how Luke weaves together the story of Jesus and the early church, emphasizing the fulfillment of God’s promises and the universal scope of salvation.

Course Objectives:

  • Grasp the unity of Luke-Acts as a single work by one author and its role in presenting God’s redemptive history.
  • Identify and analyze theological themes such as the kingdom of God, salvation history, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the mission to all nations.
  • Understand the literary and theological connections between the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.
  • Reflect on the relevance of Luke-Acts for personal faith, church mission, and global discipleship.

Course Structure:
This hybrid course integrates independent study, interactive online learning, and monthly in-person gatherings. Students will engage in the following activities:

  1. Reading Assignments: Weekly readings from Bock’s textbook and corresponding passages in Luke-Acts, focusing on the text as a unified narrative.
  2. Video Lectures: Engaging presentations by Dr. Darrell Bock, unpacking the major themes, theological insights, and structural unity of Luke-Acts.
  3. Supplemental Materials: Additional articles, book excerpts, or videos that reinforce the concept of Luke-Acts as a cohesive work and deepen theological understanding.
  4. Learning Activities: Interactive exercises such as thematic mapping, character studies, and reflection papers to synthesize course concepts.
  5. Quizzes and Reviews: Regular assessments to solidify comprehension and encourage critical thinking.
  6. Online Discussion Forums: Collaborative discussions with peers to explore challenging questions and share insights on Luke-Acts as a unified narrative.
  7. In-Person Meetings: Monthly fellowship gatherings for deeper discussion and practical application of course themes in a supportive community setting.

By engaging with Scripture, scholarly insights, and collaborative discussion, learners will deepen their understanding of Luke’s unique contribution to the New Testament canon. The course emphasizes the unity of Luke-Acts as a single narrative, presenting God’s promises fulfilled in Christ and realized through the Spirit-empowered mission of the church to all nations. Ideal for personal enrichment or ministry preparation, this course equips learners to think theologically and missionally about God’s ongoing work in the world.

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