Theology of James, Peter, and Jude


Course Description

The Theology of James, Peter, and Jude course, taught by Peter Davids, offers a comprehensive study of the General or Catholic Epistles, which are often insufficiently covered in broader New Testament introductions and surveys.


Before discussing a theology of each of the four letters, Davids deals with their common aspects—their shared background in the Greco-Roman world and similar Christology, view of the source of sin, and eschatology—thus justifying their being treated together. Davids then embarks upon a theological reading of each letter informed by its social-rhetorical understanding—what they meant in the context of their original cultural settings—that includes a survey of recent scholarship, a discussion of relevant introductory issues, thematic commentary, treatment of important theological themes, and a discussion of the place of each letter in the biblical canon.


Perfect for upper-division students, pastors, and discerning informal students of theology alike, the Theology of James, Peter, and Jude course offers a comprehensive exploration of the theology of each book, including introductory issues and major themes, and shows how each book relates to the broad picture of New Testament theology.

By completing this course, you'll gain:

  • familiarity with the main themes of James, 1 and 2 Peter, and Jude
  • insight into the background and cultural setting of the general epistles
  • a broader grasp of the current scholarship related to these books
  • confidence in your growing knowledge through unit assessments and personalized review sessions that include award-winning memory building tools

Course Instructor

Peter H. Davids

Ph.D., University of Manchester


Peter H. Davids is visiting professor in Christianity at Houston Baptist University and visiting professor of Bible and applied theology Houston Graduate School of Theology. He is author of numerous books, including Reading Jude with New Eyes, The Epistle of James (NIGTC), The Epistle of 1 Peter (NICNT), James (NIBC), and A Biblical Theology of James, Peter, and Jude. He coedited with Ralph P. Martin The Dictionary of the Latter New Testament and Its Developments.

Course Outline

1.    Introduction

2.  James: Recent Scholarship and Introductory Issues

3.  James: A Literary-Theological Reading

4.  James: Important Theological Themes and Canonical
     Contribution

5.  First Peter: Recent Scholarship and Introductory Issues

6.  First Peter: A Thematic and Rhetorical Commentary

7.   First Peter: Important Theological Themes and Canonical
     Contribution

8.  Review

9.  MIDTERM EXAM


10.  Second Peter: Scholarship and Introductory Issues

11.   Second Peter: A Thematic Commentary

12.  Second Peter: Important Theological Themes and Canonical
       Contribution

13.  Jude: Recent Scholarship and Introductory Issues

14.  Jude: A Thematic Commentary

15.  Jude: Important Theological Themes and Canonical
       Contribution

16.  Review

17.  FINAL EXAM

Course Textbook

This course is based on the book A Theology of James, Peter, and Jude by Peter H. Davids. While taking this course, you will have online access to most of this book's contents. However, if you want offline access or want this book in your personal library as a long-term reference, you may purchase it by clicking on the button to the right which will link you to amazon.ca. 

Course Details

Theology of James, Peter, and Jude

by Peter H. Davids


15 Units, Self-paced

5 Hours of Video

12 Months of Access to All Online Content

3 Credits toward a Certificate, Diploma or Degree

Support by a Clearwater College Professor


Cost: $510 CAN