This subject covers key developments in the growth of the earliest church, namely in the book of Acts, including early Christian preaching; Stephen and the Hellenists; The Pauline mission and churches; The Council of Jerusalem; Schism, heresy and external threat in the early church. In addition the background and main issues of seven epistles will be studied. Students will gain an understanding of the history, theology and narrative of the Book of Acts, and investigate the contents, themes and theology of selected books of the New Testament.