- The books of Luke and Acts are the most controversial in the New Testament today. The current scholarly dating of Luke-Acts places these books in the 115-120 CE period. Use both Pervo PDFs and your own research in this essay. 1) Discuss the relationship between Luke-Acts and the works of Josephus. How does the author of Luke-Acts employ Josephus as a source? 3) Discuss Acts’ relationship to Paul. How are his letters (particularly Galatians) used as sources for Acts? How does the author of Acts change the events of Paul’s life? Why does the Acts author see the need to significantly alter Paul’s theology and teachings?
- The figures of Jesus’ mother Mary and Mary Magdalene have been problematic in the Christian community for as long as Christianity has existed, even though both women are the only confirmed witnesses to Jesus’ execution. Use Mark, Luke-Acts, John, the Infancy Gospel of James, and the Gospel of Philip, in this essay. 1) Compare and contrast the figure of Mary Magdalene in Mark, Luke-Acts, John, and the Gospel of Philip. How and why do you think her portrayal changes over time and differs between different 1st-2nd century Christian groups? 2) Examine the figure of Jesus’ mother Mary as she is portrayed in Mark and in the Infancy Gospel of James. How do they differ?
- Apocalyptic literature is a peculiar genre, with well-defined elements, tone, and subject matter. Use both Collins PDFs and your own research in this essay. 1) What are the origins of apocalyptic literature? 2) What are the two varieties of apocalypses, and what are some of the elements found within the genre? 3) What is the tone and outlook on the world in which apocalypses assume? Provide examples from Daniel, Revelation, and the War of the Sons of Light (1QM).
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