Roman History in New Testament Times
This course examines the historical, political, and cultural context of the Roman Empire during the New Testament period. It focuses on:
- The structure and expansion of the Roman Empire
- Political systems and governance
- Social and cultural life in Roman society
Key areas include:
- Roman rule in Judea
- The relationship between Rome and early Christianity
- Key historical figures and events
The course equips students to understand the New Testament within its historical Roman context.
Course Description
This course explores Roman history as it relates to the New Testament era. It examines the political, social, and religious environment of the Roman Empire and its influence on the emergence and spread of Christianity.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, students will:
- Understand the structure of the Roman Empire
- Identify key historical events of the New Testament period
- Analyse the relationship between Roman authority and early Christianity
- Interpret New Testament texts within their historical context
- Evaluate the impact of Roman culture on biblical narratives
Course Content
- Overview of the Roman Empire
- Roman political system and governance
- Roman religion and culture
- Judea under Roman rule
- Herodian dynasty
- Roman emperors during the New Testament era
- Jewish-Roman relations
- Persecution of early Christians
- Spread of Christianity in the Roman world
Mode of Delivery
- Lectures
- Class discussions
- Independent study
Reading Materials
- Roman history textbooks
- Biblical texts (New Testament passages)
- Academic articles on Roman and early Christian history
Evaluation
- Examinations: 60%
- Coursework and participation: 40%
Weekly Schedule
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Roman History |
| 2 | Roman Political System |
| 3 | Roman Culture and Religion |
| 4 | Judea under Rome |
| 5 | Herodian Rule |
| 6 | Roman Emperors of the NT Era |
| 7 | Mid-term Review |
| 8 | Jewish-Roman Relations |
| 9 | Persecution of Early Christians |
| 10 | Spread of Christianity in the Roman World |
| 11 | Paul and Roman Law |
| 12 | Rome in the Book of Revelation |
| 13 | Legacy of Rome on Early Christianity |
| 14 | Final Review and Examination Preparation |
Historical summaries, lecture outlines, and key concept notes for this course are available as downloadable files. Materials include structured lecture documents provided by the instructor.
Required Readings
- Roman history textbooks (provided by instructor)
- Biblical texts and New Testament passages
- Academic articles on Roman and early Christian history
Media Resources
This section includes documentaries on Roman history, teaching sessions, and visual historical explanations. Audio resources include lecture recordings and teaching audio sessions. These materials provide essential historical context for understanding the New Testament world.
Types of Assignments
- Essays
- Short answer questions
- Research papers
- Class participation
Submission Guidelines
- Submitted via course platform or directly to instructor
- Accepted formats: PDF, Word documents (.doc / .docx)
Requirements
- Clear historical analysis
- Proper referencing
- Logical argument development
Academic Integrity
- Original work required
- No plagiarism
- Proper citation mandatory