Questions we Can Help you to Answer

Paper Instructions:

DISCUSSION BOARD INSTRUCTION

Read over the forum prompt and choose 2 of the provided sets of questions to answer.  Copy and paste your selected questions into a thread and answer them in your thread, composing at least 400 words for each question answered.  Keep in mind that the pasted questions do not factor into your word count requirement.  In answering the questions, you may use your textbooks, but you must use at least 2 other scholarly sources to support your answers.  If you want to use an online source not found in the Liberty University Library, you must secure your instructor's approval before using it.  List your sources in a bibliography at the end of your thread.  The bibliography does not factor into your word count requirement.  You may also use footnotes and parenthetical citations in your thread.  Your thread should include statements reflecting upon the content of the question and/or applications to today.

TEXTBOOK READINGS TO BE READ AND USED FOR THE PAPER STRICTLY

1. Bruce, F. F. Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2000. ISBN: 9780802847782. (READ PAGES 15 - 52 )

2. Carson, D. A., and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005. ISBN: 9780310238591. (READ PAGES 285 - 330 )

3. Lea, Thomas D., and David Alan Black. The New Testament: Its Background and Message. 2nd ed. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman, 2003. ISBN: 9781943965533. (READ PAGES 281 - 329 )

BIBLE READING

Read ACTS of the Apostle Chapters 1 - 8.


Discussion Board Forum 1 QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED (ANSWER ANY TWO FROM THE LIST BELOW:

In a new thread, answer two sets of questions provided below by Thursday.  

1. Present an overview of the evidence for determining the date Acts was written.  What indicators of historical reliability are found in Acts?  What role does Luke as author play?  Why are the issues of date and author important to a proper interpretation of Acts?

2. Give the evidence to support Luke as author of Acts.  How could Luke become aware of privileged information such as found in Acts 23:25–30, 25:14–22, and 26:30–32?  How important are the " we" passages in Acts to determining authorship?

3. Provide an overview of Paul's story of his conversion as found in Acts 9:1–19, 22:3–16, and 26:4–23.  Are the differences in these accounts normal variations found when someone retells an important event, or are they clear indicators of a fabrication?  Give evidence for your view.  How can Paul's story of his conversion be used as a model for Christians today?

4. Describe in chronological order the various events and locations in Paul's missionary journeys.  Why did Paul change the focus of his preaching from the Jews to the Gentiles?  What historical evidences are found in the book of Acts that help us give specific dates for Paul's mission activities?  How did Paul use local culture to relate the gospel to his 
audience?  How can Christians today learn from Paul's example?

VIDEO PRESENTATIONS TO BE WATCHED FOR THE PAPER

1. Presentation: Introduction to Course

      https://download.liberty.edu/courses/qg37o.mp4

2. Presentation: Introduction to Acts as Background to the Life of Paul

      https://download.liberty.edu/courses/pxzvg.mp4