Exegetical Task Paper 3 (Diagramming)

Descriiption
For this exegetical task paper, you will “reverse engineer” a diagram of Ephesians 2:1-10 and 2:11-22.

I have found that diagramming is a new tool for a lot of students and, like any new tool, it takes practice. One of the best ways to practice is to explain what someone else (who’s really good at it) has done. Attached are the diagrams of each passage from the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on Ephesians – written by our dean, Dr. Clint Arnold. Not only has he diagrammed the passages, he has also labeled each clause. In essence, he has done the diagramming work for you. What you need to do on this assignment is explain what Dr. Arnold has done.

For example, for Ephesians 2:1 Dr. Arnold labels “You were dead in your trespasses and sins” as “circumstance.” You need to explain what he means by that. On your assignment you will write down each label and offer a brief explanation. Your explanations do not need to be lengthy, just articulate the connection. Your paper should look something like this:

V. 1 – circumstance – Paul is describing the state/status of the Ephesians before God raised Jesus from the dead

V. 2a – explanation – Paul explains that this influenced the way in which they lived their lives

As you work through the diagram, questions will arise. For example, you may not understand the connection that Dr. Arnold is making, or you may disagree with the way he has labeled the relationship. That’s okay. Remember, questions are part of the process. Write down the questions you have and those will be questions that you can find answers to on your next exegetical paper.

NOTE: Diagrams are interpretation! Dr. Arnold is not inerrant (maybe as close as we have at Talbot 😉 and it’s okay to disagree with how he has structured things, but you need to articulate a well-reasoned objection.

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