paul’sletter to timothy

Interpretation Paper — BIBL 318 (Wallace)
Length: 12-15 pages (double-spaced, New Times Roman 12 pt. font)
Due date: see syllabus for due date.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to effectively interpret a biblical passage in one of Paul’s
letters and recognize relevant theological truths from the passage.
Directions: After praying and asking God for wisdom, choose a passage in one of Paul’s letters
that interests you of approximately 5-12 verses.
Up to this point in the course, you have already
completed the basic exegetical steps for interpreting a passage.Make note of any literary devices and their function in the passage.
D. For key sentences of the passage, analyze the grammar and function (consult exegetical
commentaries or a Greek Grammar).
E. Analyze key words/phrases of the passage:
a. Determine the range of meaning that the author may have intended by (1) consulting
other translations and relevant lexicons (BDAG preferred) and (2) see how the author
used these key words elsewhere in the letter.
b. Consider how this word used in other books of the New Testament or Old Testament
(LXX).
c. If relevant, consider how this word is used in Greco-Roman culture.
d. Based on the above analysis, decide on authorial intent and meaning for the significant
word(s) and phrase(s).
F. Investigate how the theological concepts of the chosen passage relate to biblical and theological
teaching in Paul.
a. Investigate how the theological concepts of the chosen passage relate to biblical and
theological teaching in the letter.
b. Consider how the theological concepts of the chosen passage might relate to biblical
and theological teaching elsewhere in Paul’s letters.
G. Draw out two or more theological truths from the passage—be specific and clear.
H. Apply these truths to a relevant and practical issue in ministry Introduction (in one paragraph gain attention in a relevant manner, and at the end of the
paragraph write a one-sentence thematic thesis sentence).
• Body of the Paper
Interpretation (7 or more pages)
– Explain how this passage fits within the overall flow of the letter, particularly in
relation to the theological flow of the letter (Step A—keep this part to less than a
page)
– Explain the meaning of the passage, specifically what the author intended his
reader(s) to understand “then” in the first century context (organize the information
from steps B thru E based on the internal divisions of the passage—6 or more
pages).
Theological Truths (4 pages)
– Incorporate information from steps F and G—dedicate at 3 pages on how the
theological concepts of the chosen passage relate to biblical and theological
teaching within the letter
– In one page, explain how the theological concepts of the chosen passage relate to
biblical and theological teaching elsewhere in Paul’s letters.
Application (1-2 pages)
– Apply one or more of the theological truths to a practical ministry situation today.
– Or apply one or more of the theological truths to the believer’s life and Christian
practice
• Conclusion (in one or two paragraphs, restate the main ideas of paper without adding new
information)
Bibliography (at least 12 scholarly sources—including two exegetical commentaries and three or
more scholarly journal articles).
Grading Criteria
Content (65%) – degree to which the paper adequately interprets a passage in one of
Paul’s letters (engaging in scholarly research and evidencing the above exegetical
steps), contributes to a better understanding of Paul’s theological emphasis of the
passage in his letter, and applies key theological truths to a contemporary
situation.
Grammar and style (25%) – degree to which the paper is free of errors, well organized,
written with cohesive paragraphs, appropriate for the university level.
Formatting (10%) – degree to which the paper utilizes scholarly sources and follows the
conventions for citing sources (Turabian style unless student receives approval to
use APA)

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