In this course, we will begin by exploring the Jewish mindset just before Jesus' arrival. From there, we will trace Jesus' travels and key events — supported by maps — followed by Paul's missionary journeys, also illustrated with maps. We will examine the four Gospels, including a discussion of when each was most likely written. The course then moves into the early Church period, surveying influential Christian figures from the first through the fifth century, and exploring how they shaped the development of Christianity and contributed to the formation of the final New Testament canon.
