Identify the organization of the thought in Romans 1:18 – 4:25.

his topic should address the
following:
1. Introduction: one to two paragraphs, no more than the first page. The thesis statement
must appear as the last sentence in the paragraph and should identify the point to be
argued.
2. The importance of the section for the overall point of Romans. Is this the key
element, secondary, or not important?
3. What is the main theme of that section of Romans? One or two paragraphs should be
sufficient here but be sure to include a definition of what the theme means (e.g. sin,
justification, sanctification, etc.).
4. Identify the organization of the thought in Romans 1:18 – 4:25. This section should
identify the main points of the section with an explanation of how Paul developed
each point. The student should expect to find 3 main points with each point developed
in 1:18 – 3:20; 3:21-26 and 3:27 – 4:25. This section should occupy the bulk of the
paper, up to seven pages, and it should support the thesis regarding what the main
theme is.
5. Conclusion. The conclusion should summarize the argument in the paper. No new
argument may be developed in the conclusion. One or two paragraphs should be
sufficient.

INSTRUCTIONS
Length Requirements: The paper must consist of 9 to 10 pages, double spaced. The issues are
complex and it may appear to the student that more space is required. One of the maxims of good
writing, though, is detailed analysis, but concise reporting. It is often the case that the student
who has the best grasp of the material will be able to address it most concisely. The paper, then,
should be tightly focused to include only material necessary to address the subject for the
assignment and the thesis adopted by the student. Papers that exceed the page limit will not
penalized, but it is likely the professor will stop reading (we all have deadlines) after the
maximum length limit. Make sure everything needed for the grade is included by then. The title
page, outline page (if included) and bibliography are not included in the pages counted.
Research: Consult and interact with at least ten published scholarly sources. Only published
sources may be used. Unpublished Internet sources are not research level sources and my not be
used for this paper. Published material that is located on library sites, Google Books, etc., is
useful. The Holy Bible, dictionaries/lexicons, and concordances must be utilized, but they are not
counted in the minimum number of sources. These are simply understood components of
research. These types of sources need to be included in the bibliography, but do not count toward
the required ten. Cite Bible references parenthetically within the body of the paper following the
quotation, paraphrase, summary, or allusion. Cite reference works in footnote citations.
A few clarifications should be made regarding acceptable sources for this research paper. First,
the sources you consult for your paper must be published sources. That is, they are published by
reputable academic publishers as opposed to private essays, blogs, student papers, etc. Second, it
is essential that you consult research-oriented sources. These are works that directly relate to
your thesis and the biblical text you are exegeting. Avoid the practice of writing that “so and so
quotes so and so” except in those instances in which you are referring to a work in a foreign
language and you are consulting the translation of that work. Third, your sources must be
scholarly/academic. These are works composed by reputable scholars in their given fields of
study. They are research oriented and targeted to an academic audience. These include not only
books, but peer-reviewed journal articles. For example, scholarship related to the book of
Romans would include works by Douglas Moo, Thomas Schreiner, James D. G. Dunn, N. T.
Wright, F. F. Bruce, and the like.
BIBL 425
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Quality: In addition, your paper will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
 Structure/Organization – The paper must be well-organized. Use subheadings to indicate
major topics. Build your paper on topical paragraphs. Paragraphs must be coherent and lead
to the overall cohesiveness of the paper, building upon one another and leading to a
strong/persuasive conclusion. Format the paper according to the current edition of Turabian.
The LUO School of Divinity has a very helpful guide to Turabian. See the link in the Course
Syllabus and Schedule.
 Content – The paper must meet the minimal criteria of 9-10 pages (see next section below). It
must demonstrate serious and critical interaction with scholarly, research-oriented sources. It
must clearly focus on the topic at hand and demonstrate an acute understanding of the topic
as it is presented in the book of Romans. It must coherently present and discuss the topic at
hand. It must demonstrate an awareness of the assumed reader/audience. It must maintain a
consistent argument and line of reasoning throughout the paper. Each premise must be
substantially supported.
 Grammar/Mechanics – This includes sentence fluency; sentences must be coherent, unified,
and varied. Be sure your sentences are complete and make use of excellent grammar. Also,
vary sentence style so that the paragraphs are not wooden, stiff, and monotonous. Be aware
of verb-noun agreement, tense agreement, etc. Be sure spelling, punctuation, and grammar
are correct and consistent.
Style: The style of the research paper must follow the current edition of Turabian. The use of
footnotes is required. The School of Divinity has provided a very good resource, including an
example paper, that covers the necessary issues. Please see the link in Course Syllabus and
Schedule. The 9 to 10-page length requirement refers to text only (i.e., it does not include the
title page, contents/outline, bibliography, appendices, etc.). Type your paper using double-spaced
12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins. Students who pad the paper with
irrelevant material, large fonts, blank spaces, wide margins, etc., will experience a grade
reduction.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool. Avoid
plagiarism at all cost. Consult whatever sources necessary to ensure adequate knowledge. Your
professor may send additional guidance.

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