BIBL 360: Methodical Study of Scripture – Assessment 5
Assignment: The Exegetical Research Paper
Course: BIBL 360 – Methodical Study of Scripture (also applicable to BIBL 364/425)
Due Date: Sunday of Week 7 by 11:59 PM (Local Time)
Length Requirement: 1,500–2,000 words (approx. 6–8 pages)
Format: Current Turabian (Notes-Bibliography Style)
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Overview
Exegesis is the process of drawing out the meaning of a biblical text in its original context. This assignment moves beyond simple devotional reading and requires you to employ a rigorous, multi-step inductive method. You will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the author and the contemporary world of the reader through careful observation, contextual analysis, and theological synthesis.
Successful papers will show that the student has not only understood the grammar and historical setting of the passage but also how that passage contributes to the broader biblical narrative. This is the primary writing task for upper-level biblical studies and is essential for anyone seeking to teach or preach with integrity.
Instructions
Select one of the following passages for your analysis:
A) Philippians 2:1–11
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B) Romans 12:1–8
C) Ephesians 2:1–10
Your essay must be organized into the following four sections:
1. Contextual Analysis (approx. 400 words)
Establish the historical and literary framework. Identify the author, recipients, and the specific occasion for the writing. Discuss the literary genre and how this specific passage fits into the immediate preceding and following arguments of the letter.
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2. Detailed Observation and Formal Analysis (approx. 600 words)
Perform a “close reading” of the text. Identify key terms, repetitive structures, and logical connectors (e.g., “therefore,” “in order that”). You must consult at least two different English translations (e.g., ESV, NASB, or NRSV) and note significant translational differences that impact interpretation.
3. Interpretive Synthesis (approx. 600 words)
Explain the author’s original intended meaning to the original audience. Use peer-reviewed commentaries to navigate difficult phrases. This is where you resolve the “meaning” of the passage based on your observations in section two.
4. Contemporary Application (approx. 300 words)
Translate the theological principles of the text into a modern context. How does this passage challenge or inform the life of a faith community in 2026? Ensure the application is grounded directly in your previous exegetical findings.
Grading Rubric
| Criteria | Excellent (A) | Satisfactory (C) | Unacceptable (F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hermeneutical Method (40%) | Demonstrates a clear, logical progression from observation to application. Avoids “eisegesis” (reading meaning into the text). | The method is present but disjointed. Observations are disconnected from the final interpretation. | Fails to perform actual exegesis; paper reads like a sermon or a personal opinion piece. |
| Use of Commentary (30%) | Engages critically with at least five high-level scholarly commentaries. Summarizes and evaluates differing views. | Uses limited or low-tier resources (e.g., study bibles or online devotional sites). | Minimal or no scholarly support provided. |
| Contextual Accuracy (20%) | Accurately identifies historical and literary contexts. Grasp of Greco-Roman or Jewish background is evident. | Background information is generic and lacks specific relevance to the chosen passage. | Major historical or literary errors present. |
| Grammar & Turabian (10%) | Full compliance with Turabian Notes-Bibliography format. Prose is clear and professional. | Frequent formatting errors. Writing is somewhat difficult to follow. | Unacceptable number of errors; lack of citations. |
The core of an exegetical essay lies in identifying how the author’s original intent dictates the contemporary application of the scripture. When analyzing the Christ-Hymn in Philippians 2, the student must distinguish between the ontological status of Christ and the ethical imperatives Paul places on the Philippian church. As noted by Nijay Gupta, the purpose of this text is not merely to provide a lofty Christology but to advocate for a specific form of “cruciform” community life that mirrors Christ’s humility (Gupta 2023). By grounding modern ethics in these ancient literary structures, the interpreter avoids the pitfall of moralism and maintains the theological integrity of the New Testament corpus. Effective exegesis therefore acts as a safeguard against the subjective reinterpretation of sacred texts in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
Recommended Resources
- Duvall, J. Scott, and J. Daniel Hays. Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible. 5th Edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2025. Zondervan Link
- Gupta, Nijay K. Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2023. DOI Link
- Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. 3rd Edition. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2020. Publisher Link
- Heiser, Michael S. The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2019.
- Wright, N.T., and Michael F. Bird. The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2019.
