This course studies Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians as a closely related core within the Pauline letter collection, read as Sacred Scripture within the life of the Church. Beginning with Philemon, the course explores the historical circumstances of Paul’s correspondence and early questions of transmission and collection, including the historically grounded proposal that Onesimus may have played a formative role in the gathering of Paul’s letters.
The course opens with historical-critical study of these texts and then moves beyond it toward post-critical theological interpretation, attending to themes of reconciliation, transformed relationships, and ecclesial life in Christ. Together, these letters provide a privileged entry point into Paul’s vision of the Church and the inner unity of his writings within the canon of Scripture.
Dr. Jordan Almanzar
Terms & Conditions
We reserve the right to cancel the class based on enrollment numbers. Enrollees who withdraw before the end of the first week of classes will receive a refund minus a 3% payment charge. Enrollees who withdraw after the first week of class will forfeit a refund. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone and to remove a student permanently from a course who is disruptive and/or interferes with the safety, well-being, or educational experience of other students.