Acts to Revelation
Syllabus
OHIO VALLEY UNIVERSITY
BIB 107 Acts-Revelation (2 Credit Hours)
At Ohio Valley University, we seek to transform lives in a Christ-centered academic community
that integrates higher learning, biblical faith, and service to God and humanity.
Class days/times: T & TH 10:45 am -11:35 am
Location: ISOM 63
Instructor: Dr. Justin Imel
Phone: (304) 389-9997 (cell) (AT&T); (304) 756-8110 (home); (304) 756-9082 (office)
E-mail: justin.imel@ovu.edu
If you need to contact me, feel free to drop me an e-mail and give me a phone number, and I will return your call.
I don’t mind at all if you call me, but if it’s cheaper for you to have me call you, feel free to do so.
I. Textbook:
Overton, Basil. (1981). Conversions in Acts. Winona, MS: JC Choate Publications.
A good study Bible; the instructor will be using the New International and Revised Standard Versions.
II. Course Description:
A survey of the books of the New Testament from Acts to Revelation.
In this course, we will discuss introductory material to the New Testament books from Acts to Revelation.
We will also discuss significant passages from the books.
III. Rationale:
At the Ohio Valley University School of Biblical Studies we seek to transform lives in a Christ-centered academic community
by encouraging biblical faith to product life-long truth-seekers who serve God in His kingdom throughout the world.
This course will seek transform the lives of the students by engaging them in the text of the New Testament and seek to make
that engagement with the text of Scripture a life-long endeavor. As you come into contact with biblical text, your faith will
increase (Rm 10:17).
IV. Integrating Faith and Learning:
The integration of faith and learning closely follows the rationale for this course. In fact, it would be difficult,
if not impossible, to study Scripture in an environment such as this and not grow in both faith and learning. My prayer
for you is that as you study from these texts during the course of this semester, you will become comfortable viewing
everything from a Christian perspective. I pray that you continue to study Scripture diligently and that you question
everything you see, hear, and do by the words of Scripture.
V. Course Objectives:
A. To acquaint the student with Acts, the New Testament Epistles, and Revelation in order that he/she may have a
firmer faith.
B. To acquaint the student with Acts, the New Testament Epistles, and Revelation in order that he/she may be better
able to serve in the church.
C. To help the student develop an academic understanding of reading an ancient text such as the Bible.
D. To survey Acts, the New Testament Epistles, and Revelation in regard to the introductory and significant passages
within them.
E. To acquaint the student with the historical events and teachings of the early church as found in Acts and the
New Testament Epistles.
F. To help the student develop a habit of daily Bible reading.
VI. National Standards:
There are no national standards for a Bible program.
VII. Course Requirements and Evaluation:
Assessment that the objectives have been met will be based on the student's performance on homework and tests assigned by
the instructor. Primary academic abilities assessed include the students' ability to read and understand the texts assigned
as evidenced by homework grades, and the mastery of the material learned as evidenced by the major exams. Your grade for the
class will be based on two exams (a mid-term and a final) and weekly homework. Additionally, you may turn in an essay OR a map
of one of Paul's missionary journeys (you cannot do both assignment) for five points extra credit. Both exams will also have
an extra credit question. Ten percent of your mid-term will be reading the textbook, and ten percent of your final will be
reading through Acts to Revelation. You will simply be asked to sign a statement on the exam informing the instructor of how
much of the reading you have done. All work is expected to be turned in on time. If for some reason you cannot make the due
date, please ask my permission to turn in the work late. Late homework is not accepted, since the answers will often be given
in class. If you will miss due to a school excused absence, please pick up and turn in the homework early.
Reading Instructions
You will be expected to read Basil Overton’s Conversions in Acts prior to the mid-term exam. You do not need to turn in a
report or review; you just need to read the book. You will be asked to sign a statement on your mid-term that you have read
the book. Your reading will count as 10% of your grade on the mid-term.
You will also be expected to read the New Testament from Acts to Revelation. Again, you will simply be asked to sign a
statement on your final that you have read. Your reading will count as 10% of your grade on your final. Yes, I know with your
other courses, that is a lot of reading, but this is to help you get into the habit of reading Scripture daily. That is a
little under two (2) chapters a day if you start today. You should be able to spend far less than ten (10) minutes a day to
fulfill this requirement.
Homework Instructions
After the first class meeting, you will have a homework assignment after each class. The homework will consist of ten (10)
multiple-choice questions over that day’s lectures and will be due at the next lecture. You MAY use your class notes and your
Bible to answer the questions (so, take good notes!). The material on the homework will reappear on the exams (with additional
material; we will review for both exams). If you pay attention in class, this will help bring your grade up. Some of the
material may not be discussed in class; in such cases, however, a Bible reference will be given so that you may find the
answer. The homework should take no more than 3-5 minutes.
Essay Instructions
Should you elect to do an essay for extra credit, you will need to choose a topic concerning a topic covered in Acts to
Revelation (yes, that's quite broad). Your essay should be five pages. Possible topics include: Paul's conversion, Baptism
in Acts, the Destination of Galatians, Salvation in Romans, Baptism in Romans, or the Cities Paul visited on a missionary
journey.
When quoting from the Bible, please make clear what translation you are using. If you need references outside the Bible,
I will be glad to help with any research. Important: You may not use any Internet references without first asking my permission!
The only exception would be if it is an address ending in .edu or if you find an online site through the library's databases.
Other than that, you must ask permission.
Map Instructions
Should you elect to do a map of one (1) of Paul's four journey's (three missionary journeys and the journey to Rome),
please use the blank map handed out in class. Please place at the top of the page which journey you are tracing. For that
journey, show the route and all cities visited by Paul.
Note: Because professionals in all disciplines must utilize correct oral and written communication, points will be
deducted on all assignments that contain oral or written errors. Therefore, begin now to correct any oral language errors and
proof/correct all written work before submitting for a grade.
GRADING SYSTEM:
The final grade will be based on your work in the following way:
Homework 50%
Exams 50%
93% - 100% = A 85% - 92% = B 75% - 84% = C 70% - 74% = D Below 69% = F
IX. Academic Integrity Policy
Because Ohio Valley University expects students to follow the highest standards of honorable conduct in all areas of life,
it is essential that students maintain high standards of academic integrity. Cheating, plagiarizing (whether intentionally
misrepresenting another's work as one's own or failing to follow appropriate requirements of documentation), and helping
others to cheat or plagiarize are all violations of these standards. Students who engage in these behaviors will face
appropriate consequences, which could include failing the assignment in question, failing the course, or being dismissed from
the University. A student who believes that he or she is being treated unjustly may file an appeal with the Provost; the
student must initiate the appeal within 48 hours after receiving notification of the consequence. Appeal procedures are
available in the office of the Provost.
X. Attendance Policy
OVU Handbook:
Regular class attendance is most important, whether face-to-face or online. Instructors are responsible for recording and
reporting attendance in each of their classes. Attendance at 75% of the scheduled class meeting is required to receive credit
for a given course; in other words, if a student misses 25% or more class sessions including both excused and unexcused absences,
the student will fail the course.
Therefore, attendance will be taken at each class meeting. If you are going to be gone on university business, please let me
know.
XI. Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
If you have a diagnosed disability and need special accommodations, please notify the Office of the Provost before or
immediately after your first scheduled class meeting. After your disability has been verified, your instructor will work with
you and the Office of the Provost to insure that you have a fair opportunity to perform in the course.
XII. Tentative Course Calendar
Exam Dates: Mid-Term—Thursday, September 27, 2007
Final Exam— Tuesday, December 11, 2007, 10:00-11:50
Course Plan
August 23: Introduction to Course
August 28: Introduction to Acts
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on August 30.
August 30: The Day of Pentecost
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on September 4.
September 4: Conversion of Saul
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on September 6.
September 6: The Conversion of Cornelius
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on September 11.
September 11: The Jerusalem Conference
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on September 13.
September 13: The Missionary Journeys of Paul
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on September 18.
September 18: Introduction to Romans
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on September 20.
September 20: Sin & Justification
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on September 25.
September 25: Introduction to 1 Corinthians
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on October 2.
September 27: Mid-Term Exam—No homework
October 2: The Lord’s Supper
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on October 4.
October 4: The Lord’s Supper
October 9: The Resurrection of the Dead
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on October 9.
October 11: Overview of Galatians
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on October 16.
October 16: Overview of Ephesians & Discussion of the Authorship of Ephesians
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on October 18.
October 18: Overview of Philippians & Colossians
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on October 23.
October 23: Overview of 1 & 2 Thessalonians
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on October 25.
October 25: Overview of 1 & 2 Timothy
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on October 30.
October 30: Overview of Titus & Philemon
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on November 1.
November 1: Church Government
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on November 6.
November 6: Introduction to Hebrews
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on November 8.
November 8: Hebrews Continued
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on November 13.
November 13: Overview of James
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on November 15.
November 15: Overview of 1 & 2 Peter
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on November 27.
November 20 & 22: Thanksgiving Break
November 27: Overview of John’s Epistles & Jude
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on November 29.
November 29: Overview of Revelation
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on December 4.
December 4: Revelation Continued
Homework: Multiple-choice open-Bible, open-note exam due on December 6.
December 6: Review for Final Exam