Course Description

In this class, we place Revelation in its first-century historical context, and thus open a window into the political, economic, and social challenges that affect the early Christian communities living under Roman rule in what is now modern Turkey. We will read Revelation as “an apocalyptic prophecy in the form of a circular letter,” an alternative vision of reality which transcends everyday space and time in order to motivate specific responses from these Christians. In this way, Revelation is a book of discipleship, calling for ethical responses. As a book of discipleship, we will explore how Revelation speaks powerfully to Christians in every generation and location, focusing especially on some twenty-first century issues of empire, economics, and ecology.

Lecturer

Dr Quek Tze-Ming

Lecturer in New Testament

Dr Quek Tze Ming is the Lecturer in New Testament at BGST. After leaving legal practice, Tze Ming served in student ministry with the Fellowship of Evangelical Students (Singapore). He then commenced theological studies, receiving a DipCS from BGST, an MDiv and a ThM from Regent College. He finished a PhD in New Testament Studies at the University of Cambridge. His special area of studies is in the use of the Old Testament in the New. Tze Ming serves in the teaching ministry of his church. He is married to Sharon, and they have two daughters. He maintains a lively interest in local food, football, and movies.

  • Location

    Online via Zoom (Live)

    The first and the last Sessions are in-person for local students at
    BGST
    50 Kallang Pudding Road
    #07-01 AMA Building
    Singapore 349326

  • Dates

    (Thursdays)

    Jan: 18
    Feb: 1, 15, 29
    Mar: 14, 28
    Apr: 11, 25
    May: 9, 23
    Closing Date for Registration:
    Jan 15, 2024

  • Time

    7:15pm-10:00pm

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    General

  • 2

    Lecture 1: Course Introduction

    • Lecture 1: Course Introduction (Zoom Recording)

    • Lecture 1: Course Introduction (Slides)

    • Readings:
  • 3

    Lecture 2: A Prophet under Pressure

    • Lecture 2: A Prophet Under Pressure (Zoom Recording)

    • Lecture 2: A Prophet Under Pressure (Slides)

    • Readings

    • Excerpt from movie: Amazing Grace (2006)
  • 4

    Lecture 3: Messages to the 7 Churches

    • Lecture 3: Messages to the 7 Churches (Zoom Recording)

    • Lecture 3: Messages to the 7 Churches (Slides)

    • Readings
  • 5

    Lecture 4: The Throne Room: The Lamb!

    • Lecture 4: The Throne Room: The Lamb! (Zoom Recording)

    • Lecture 4: The Throne Room: The Lamb! (Slides)

    • Readings
  • 6

    Lecture 5: The Seven Seals

    • Lecture 5: The Seven Seals (Zoom Recording)

    • Lecture 5: The Seven Seals (Slides)

    • Readings
  • 7

    Lecture 6: The Seven Trumpets

    • Lecture 6: The Seven Trumpets (Zoom Recording)

    • Lecture 6: The Seven Trumpets (Slides)

    • Readings:
  • 8

    Lecture 7: The Cosmic War: The Dragon and the Beasts

    • Lecture 7: The Cosmic War: The Dragon and the Beasts (Zoom Recording)

    • Lecture 7: The Cosmic War: The Dragon and the Beasts (Slides)

    • Readings:
  • 9

    Lecture 8: Babylon the Harlot and the Economics of Worship

    • Lecture 8: Babylon the Harlot and the Economics of Worship (Zoom Recording)

    • Lecture 8: Babylon the Harlot and the Economics of Worship (Slides)

    • Readings:
  • 10

    Lecture 9 New Jerusalem and the Renewal of All Things

    • Lecture 9: New Jerusalem and the Renewal of All Things (Zoom Recording)

    • Lecture 9: New Jerusalem and the Renewal of All Things (Slides)

    • Bounce Back: Is there hope in disaster
  • 11

    Course Evaluation Form

    • Course Evaluation Form
  • 12

    Assignment submissions

    • Reflection and Conversations

    • Book Review

    • Major Essay