AIM New Testament Survey 2026: Course Overview
Course Dates: February 7, 2026 – May 9, 2026
Location: Online
Journey through the New Testament with the AIM New Testament Survey 2026 course. This comprehensive survey is designed for individuals seeking a foundational understanding of the New Testament, emphasizing careful biblical teaching and study as instructed in 2 Timothy 2:15.
Course Structure:
Our course is structured to ensure an engaging and enriching learning experience, with the bulk of the curriculum dedicated to in-depth reading and study of the New Testament.
Participants will explore key topics, including:
- New Testament Chronology: Understand the historical context and timeline of the New Testament writings.
- Synoptic Gospels: Gain insights into the similarities and differences among Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
- The Gospel of John: Explore the unique themes and theological perspectives presented in John's account.
- Acts of the Apostles: Discover the early church's formation and the spread of the Gospel.
- The Letters of Paul: Examine the epistles that shaped early Christian thought and practice.
- General Epistles: Explore the letters that provide guidance and encouragement to believers.
- Revelation: Uncover the rich imagery and prophetic messages of the final book of the New Testament.
Course Resources:
Participants will engage with a diverse array of resources to enhance their learning, including:
- The New Testament text
- A core textbook tailored to the course's objectives
- Multimedia resources from the Bible Project, offering visual and narrative insights
- Online materials to support independent study
- Live lectures that foster interactive discussion and deeper understanding
Special Workshop:
A highlight of the course is a dedicated workshop focusing on ancient Greek manuscripts and the history of New Testament transmission. This workshop will be supported by a multimedia presentation that provides participants with a visual framework for understanding the significance of these historical documents.
Required Readings:
To ensure a robust understanding of the New Testament, students are required to complete the following readings:
- The entire New Testament in a non-preferred translation (in other words, you will read a translation that you have not read before)
- Douglas Jacoby's "A Quick Overview of the Bible" (Chapters 16-23)
- 20 specified Bible Project videos
- 135 minutes of iFaith video sermons
Students will also maintain logs and notes for instructor review, reinforcing their learning and engagement with the material.
Class Format:
Classes will be held online, fostering a community of learners who can share insights and support one another's growth in weekly discussions. There will be two Live Sessions via Zoom, both on a Saturday, from 9:30 am - 1:00 pm. The first will be on February 7, 2026, and the second on April 11, 2026. Additionally, participants will undertake memory work on 100 useful New Testament passages, aiding retention of key teachings and life applications.
Recommended Readings:
For those interested in further context and understanding of the New Testament, we recommend exploring the following text:
- "The New Testament in Its World" by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird
Join us for the AIM New Testament Survey 2026 course, where you will not only deepen your understanding of the New Testament but also equip yourself with the tools to apply its teachings in your life. This course is an overview, making it ideal for anyone eager to explore the foundational aspects of the New Testament without diving into exegetical study (we do have another upcoming course that will go deep into how to exegetically study the New Testament). Enroll today and take the first step in enriching your biblical knowledge!
The AIM New Testament Module prepares students to understand and interpret the New Testament and to teach, preach, and study the New Testament accurately and confidently with others.
The New Testament Module includes a detailed overview of the New Testament, including how it came to be in its current form, an introduction to the authors and books of the New Testament, the types of writing contained in the New Testament, an introduction to the geography of the New Testament world, the Graeco-Roman background of the New Testament, how to properly read and understand the New Testament writings including the Gospels, the book of Acts, the Letters, and the book of Revelation, how to teach or preach from the New Testament, and an advanced, in-depth study of the Book of Hebrews as an example of applying what you've learned to a specific book of the New Testament.
This module is suitable for anyone interested in learning how to read, understand, and teach the New Testament to others, including those who wish a more profound knowledge of the New Testament, Bible Study leaders, small group leaders, ministers desiring a refresher, or anyone who wants more up-to-date knowledge of New Testament studies.
New Testament Survey
NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY
Bible study— with an emphasis on careful teaching (2 Timothy 2:15)— constitutes nearly 40% of the course. This survey course introduces the student to the world of the New Testament, from the historical and geographical background to the culture of the first century to the formation of the New Testament itself. This course will use a variety of resources including the text of the New Testament, a textbook, multimedia online resources from the Bible Project, various resources on the Internet and live lectures.
Units: Synoptic Gospels, John, Acts, the Letters of Paul, the General Epistles, Revelation, and N.T. chronology.
We will learn about the ancient Greek manuscripts in a special workshop, learning about the complex world of manuscript copying. A powerpoint presentation colorfully illustrates the amazing history of the transmission of the N.T. through the ages. In addition to studying a conservative N.T. textbook, the student will read the entire N.T. We will also learn how to deploy 100 useful N.T. passages.
What many of us were never taught… Exegesis and hermeneutics--interpreting what a N.T. passage meant to those to whom it was written, and making a proper application to our situation today--are vital areas of theological training.There are units on exegesis of the Synoptic Gospels, Parables, Acts, Epistles, Revelation, and more. 20 useful passages and several books will be studied, including Gordon Fee's How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth.
An exegetically sound exposition of the New Testament book of Hebrews. The book of Hebrews is a fine example of early Christian teaching written to warn, instruct, and encourage early Christians with a Jewish background who were facing persecution and considering returning to non-Christian Judaism. Hebrews conclusively demonstrates through scriptural arguments that Christ is superior to everything that served to train and introduce people to Christ. Hebrews also contains excellent instruction to believers on the basics of the Christian faith and explains clearly how the Old and New covenants work together.
Join Tom Jones, Joey Harris, and Douglas Jacoby for an in-depth exploration and exegesis of the New Testament book of Hebrews. Learning the lessons of Hebrews will strengthen our faith in God, provide encouragement in the face of doubt, and equip believers with a solid basis for the background of early Christian teaching.
Preaching is far, far more than constructing a three-point message, and a sermon is so much more than anecdotes, stories, and personal sharing. Expository sermons have punch and the full authority of the word of God. Without careful exposition, sermons are easily forgotten by the congregation; the preacher does not cause the word of Christ to dwell richly in the congregation (Colossians 3:16). Robinson, Stott, Goldsworthy, and Edwards (through their books) will be some of our instructors. Indeed, biblical preaching has a powerful impact (Matthew 7:28-29)! This course will help anyone (not just ministers!) to think through how to best communicate the New Testament through public speaking, teaching, and studies, with large groups, small groups, and individuals.