Early Christian Outlook and its Jewish Matrix: Narratives of Gospels and Acts from edX

When the earliest followers of Jesus suggested that their teacher was the anointed one, the Messiah, promised by ancient prophets who would bring redemption to Israel, they applied a broader Jewish messianic belief to Jesus.

What different kinds of messianic ideas were people nurturing?
Was a messianic expectation a mainstream or a marginal viewpoint?
To which Jewish groups first Jesus followers felt close and from whom they were estranged?

The movement that had started in the Land of Israel would reach out at an early stage to the broader Greco-Roman world, to both Jews and non-Jews there.

How much were the earliest Christian texts, coming from that Greek-speaking phase, influenced by their new cultural environment?
Do they still reflect faithfully the initial beliefs of Jesus' followers? Do they reinterpret them dramatically? Or do they even turn their back on them?

These are all complicated questions, which are also crucial for understanding the birth of Christianity from within the Jewish matrix, as well as various modern religious movements. And these are only part of the questions to be asked if we truly want to reach such an understanding. Our inquiry may lead us to some unexpected answers.

If you are ready to be part of the ongoing discussion and are willing to discover what may be called a Jerusalem perspective on the topic, you are invited to join our course.

What you'll learn

Students will learn:

To recognize the importance of contextualizing nascent Christianity within late Second Temple Judaism.
To name the main genres of the surviving early Christian sources and describe the process that eventually led to the canonization of the New Testament.
To describe the historical circumstances of the birth of Christianity and variegated settings of the first decades of its existence.
To comprehend the transition of the earliest Jesus-centered tradition on the way from its oral Semitic stage to written Greek compositions.
To discern various strategies employed by the Synoptic tradition (Matthew, Mark and Luke) to define Jesus' messiahship vis-a-vis the variety of Second Temple Jewish messianic beliefs.
To recognize the multifaceted character of references to "the Jews" in the Fourth Gospel and acknowledge the variegated explanations of the Gospel's harsh polemical stance raised in the research.
To discern the roots of the notion of Messiah's pre-existence in Second Temple Jewish literature and its metamorphosis in rabbinic sources.
To discern John's reworking of the Synoptic tradition of Jesus' miracles into the narrative of signs and wonders, using the story of Exodus as its focal point of reference.
To recognize the conflict within the Jesus movement about inclusion of the Gentiles and their obligations to the Torah observance as reflection of differences of opinion in broaderSecond Temple Judaism.

What's inside

Learning objectives

To recognize the importance of contextualizing nascent christianity within late second temple judaism.
To name the main genres of the surviving early christian sources and describe the process that eventually led to the canonization of the new testament.
To describe the historical circumstances of the birth of christianity and variegated settings of the first decades of its existence.
To comprehend the transition of the earliest jesus-centered tradition on the way from its oral semitic stage to written greek compositions.
To discern various strategies employed by the synoptic tradition (matthew, mark and luke) to define jesus' messiahship vis-a-vis the variety of second temple jewish messianic beliefs.

To recognize the multifaceted character of references to "the jews" in the fourth gospel and acknowledge the variegated explanations of the gospel's harsh polemical stance raised in the research.
To discern the roots of the notion of messiah's pre-existence in second temple jewish literature and its metamorphosis in rabbinic sources.
To discern john's reworking of the synoptic tradition of jesus' miracles into the narrative of signs and wonders, using the story of exodus as its focal point of reference.
To recognize the conflict within the jesus movement about inclusion of the gentiles and their obligations to the torah observance as reflection of differences of opinion in broadersecond temple judaism.

To recognize the importance of contextualizing nascent christianity within late second temple judaism.
To name the main genres of the surviving early christian sources and describe the process that eventually led to the canonization of the new testament.
To describe the historical circumstances of the birth of christianity and variegated settings of the first decades of its existence.
To comprehend the transition of the earliest jesus-centered tradition on the way from its oral semitic stage to written greek compositions.
To discern various strategies employed by the synoptic tradition (matthew, mark and luke) to define jesus' messiahship vis-a-vis the variety of second temple jewish messianic beliefs.
To recognize the multifaceted character of references to "the jews" in the fourth gospel and acknowledge the variegated explanations of the gospel's harsh polemical stance raised in the research.
To discern the roots of the notion of messiah's pre-existence in second temple jewish literature and its metamorphosis in rabbinic sources.
To discern john's reworking of the synoptic tradition of jesus' miracles into the narrative of signs and wonders, using the story of exodus as its focal point of reference.
To recognize the conflict within the jesus movement about inclusion of the gentiles and their obligations to the torah observance as reflection of differences of opinion in broadersecond temple judaism.

Syllabus

Week 1. Introduction to the course. Second Temple Judaism as setting of nascent Christianity. From the Land of Israel to broader Greco-Roman context. Gospels and Acts as part of the early Jesus movement literary output. Formation of Gospel tradition and evolution in perception of Jesus' mission. Week 2. Early Christian message and Jewish messianic beliefs (A) Variety of messianic outlooks in late Second Temple Judaism. The Synoptic Gospels as a reflection of that variety. (B) Problematic side of Jesus' kingly messiahship. A switch to another Second Temple idea, that of a heavenly savior. Week 3. Hebrew Bible as the Gospels' point of reference (A) The claim for Jesus' messiahship in the light of other Jewish exegetical trends. Messianic interpretation of Scripture at Qumran. (B) Jesus as Interpreter of the Torah vis-a-vis the Torah exegesis in the Dead Sea Scrolls and among proto-rabbinic sages. Week 4. The Kingdom of God idea: its Jewish setting The kingdom and the End of Days. Eschatology in the Gospels and at Qumran. Week 5. Struggle for self-identity (A) Strategies of identity building in the Synoptics. Jesus as a Torah sage/Pharisee? The polemic against Pharisees in the Gospels, Qumran and rabbinic sources. (B) Gospel of John's sectarian tendency compared to that of the Scrolls. Polemical function of "the Jews" in John's narrative. Week 6. Gospel of John's special stance (A) Messiah as revealer of God's Word. Messiah's preexistence: the question of Jewish setting. (B) Jesus as second Moses. Week 7. Jesus' death and resurrection as the focal point of the Gospel narrative Various meanings of Messiah's death: Synoptic narrative vs. John's version. A suffering Messiah: precedents in Jewish thought. Week 8. Early Christian outlook reflected in Acts (A) Preaching to the Jews in preparation for the Kingdom of Israel. Expectation of Jesus' return and the meaning of the interim period. (B) Preaching to the Gentiles as fulfillment of biblical prophecies and metamorphoses in the movement's outlook. Paul's mission and trends in Hellenistic Jewry. The issue of Torah observance. Week 9. Delay in redemption and the response of Acts. Renewal of prophecy/gift of the Spirit and the mission to the Gentiles as the signs of the interim period. Temple in Acts' eschatological scenario. Between quasi-Qumranian beliefs and broader universalistic ideas. Concluding remarks.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Helps learners explore theological roots of christianity in an academic, scholarly setting

Taught by a religious studies expert

Taught by an instructor who has published scholarly works on christianity

Provides an overview of the historical and cultural context of early christianity

Develops core skills for students of theology

Covers key theologians in christian history

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Early Christian Outlook and its Jewish Matrix: Narratives of Gospels and Acts with these activities:

Complete practice questions on the Synoptic Gospels

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Reinforce your understanding of the Synoptic Gospels and their portrayal of Jesus' teachings and ministry.

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Locate practice questions or quizzes on the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).
Answer the questions to the best of your ability.
Review your answers and compare them to the provided answer key.
Identify areas where you need further study and focus.

Join a study group to discuss course topics

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Engage with peers to share insights, ask questions, and clarify concepts related to the course material.

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Find a study group or form one with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course readings, lectures, and assignments.
Take turns facilitating discussions and presenting different perspectives.
Collaborate on assignments or projects.

Volunteer at a local church or community center

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Gain practical experience and apply your understanding of Christian teachings and values in a real-world setting.

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Identify a local church or community center where you can volunteer.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and skills.
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule.
Engage with the community and participate in activities that reflect Christian principles.

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Career center

Learners who complete Early Christian Outlook and its Jewish Matrix: Narratives of Gospels and Acts will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Religious Studies Professor

Religious Studies Professors teach about religion, including its history, beliefs, and practices. This course would be a valuable resource for those who specialize in early Christianity or Judaism. The course covers topics such as the messianic expectations of the time, the formation of the New Testament, and the conflict between the Jesus movement and broader Second Temple Judaism. This knowledge would help Religious Studies Professors better understand the origins and development of Christianity.

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Historian

Historians study the past, and often specialize in a particular time period or region. Those who specialize in religious or ancient history may find this course particularly fascinating, as it delves into the historical context of early Christianity. The course covers topics like the different messianic beliefs of the time, the transition from oral to written tradition, and the spread of Christianity to the broader Greco-Roman world. This knowledge can help Historians better understand the development of Christianity and its impact on the world.

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Theological Librarian

Theological Librarians manage and maintain collections of religious materials. They may also provide research assistance to patrons. This course would be beneficial for those who work in libraries with a focus on religion or ancient history. The course covers topics such as the different genres of early Christian literature, the canonization of the New Testament, and the development of messianic beliefs. This knowledge would help Theological Librarians better understand the materials in their collections and provide more informed assistance to their patrons.

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Archaeologist

Archaeologists study past cultures by excavating and examining their remains. Those who specialize in biblical archaeology may find this course particularly relevant, as it covers topics such as the historical context of early Christianity, the development of Christian art and architecture, and the archaeological evidence for the life of Jesus. This knowledge would help Archaeologists better understand the sites they excavate and interpret the artifacts they find.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and oversee exhibitions, care for collections, and conduct research. Those who specialize in religious or ancient history may find this course particularly relevant. The course covers topics such as the historical context of early Christianity, the development of Christian art and architecture, and the archaeological evidence for the life of Jesus. This knowledge would help Museum Curators better understand the artifacts in their collections and create more engaging exhibitions.

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Archivist

Archivists manage and preserve historical documents. Those who specialize in religious or ancient history may find this course particularly relevant, as it covers topics such as the formation of the New Testament, the development of Christian art and architecture, and the conflict between the Jesus movement and broader Second Temple Judaism. This knowledge would help Archivists better understand the documents in their collections and preserve them for future generations.

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Tour Guide

Tour Guides lead groups of people around historical or cultural sites. Those who specialize in religious or ancient history may find this course particularly relevant, as it covers topics such as the historical context of early Christianity, the development of Christian art and architecture, and the archaeological evidence for the life of Jesus. This knowledge would help Tour Guides provide more informed and engaging tours of religious sites.

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Journalist

Journalists write and report on current events and issues. Those who specialize in religion or ancient history may find this course particularly relevant, as it covers topics such as the historical context of early Christianity, the development of Christian art and architecture, and the conflict between the Jesus movement and broader Second Temple Judaism. This knowledge would help Journalists better understand the religious and historical context of the stories they cover.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels. Those who teach history or religion may find this course particularly relevant, as it covers topics such as the historical context of early Christianity, the development of Christian art and architecture, and the conflict between the Jesus movement and broader Second Temple Judaism. This knowledge would help Teachers provide more informed and engaging lessons to their students.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. Those who specialize in religious law or constitutional law may find this course particularly relevant, as it covers topics such as the conflict between the Jesus movement and broader Second Temple Judaism, the development of Christian art and architecture, and the archaeological evidence for the life of Jesus. This knowledge would help Lawyers better understand the legal issues surrounding religion and provide more informed advice to their clients.

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Editor

Editors review, edit, and publish written content. Those who specialize in religious or ancient history may find this course particularly relevant, as it covers topics such as the formation of the New Testament, the development of Christian art and architecture, and the conflict between the Jesus movement and broader Second Temple Judaism. This knowledge would help Editors better understand the content they are working with and make more informed decisions about what to publish.

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Writer

Writers create written content, such as books, articles, and speeches. Those who specialize in religious or ancient history may find this course particularly relevant, as it covers topics such as the historical context of early Christianity, the development of Christian art and architecture, and the conflict between the Jesus movement and broader Second Temple Judaism. This knowledge would help Writers create more informed and engaging content for their readers.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct original research and analysis. Those who specialize in religious or ancient history may find this course particularly relevant, as it covers topics such as the historical context of early Christianity, the development of Christian art and architecture, and the conflict between the Jesus movement and broader Second Temple Judaism. This knowledge would help Researchers develop more informed and rigorous research projects.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. Those who work in a religious or academic library may find this course particularly relevant, as it covers topics such as the formation of the New Testament, the development of Christian art and architecture, and the conflict between the Jesus movement and broader Second Temple Judaism. This knowledge would help Librarians better understand the materials in their collections and provide more informed assistance to their patrons.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice to clients on a variety of topics. Those who specialize in religious or ancient history may find this course particularly relevant, as it covers topics such as the historical context of early Christianity, the development of Christian art and architecture, and the conflict between the Jesus movement and broader Second Temple Judaism. This knowledge would help Consultants provide more informed advice to their clients on topics related to religion and history.

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