BI 171-VT: Instructions for Midterm Exegetical Assignment, Fall 2024
Due October 22, 2024, 11:59pm EDT, on Blackboard
Defining Terms
What is exegesis? Exegesis is a term that means “close reading.” The goal of exegesis is to read a text
closely and be able to articulate an interpretation of that text based on a variety of contextual
considerations (the reader, the language, the historical, literary, and canonical contexts, other readers).
This exegetical assignment will help you read closely by learning some of the skills required to do so.
General Instructions
This assignment is not a thesis or argument driven paper. It should be completed and written in the
order in which it is listed here (don’t jump around and do step 3 before step 1, in other words). The
focus of your paper is on understanding the biblical passage better. The content of your paper is
demonstrating these different skills that enable you to understand the biblical passage better. The
format of your paper should follow the format of these instructions, with “Step 1” marked as such. You
can answer the questions either in paragraphs, bullet points, or a chart, depending on your preference
and the content of your answers.
In developing an interpretation of the assigned biblical text, your assignment should also be focused on
the resources assigned for class. Citations rules apply here like homework, but even more so. If you use
information that is not public knowledge (meaning you learned it this semester!), then it MUST be cited.
You can use MLA citation styles (AuthorLastName Page Number), like (Powell 78). Or you can use
footnote Chicago/Turabian/SBL style.1 If you are in the MTS program, I would recommend the latter.
Online resources, as well as Wesley’s Writing Center, can point you to appropriate resources.
If you do not cite material that you use, you will receive a zero for this assignment. Citations are
expected for paraphrases, not just direct quotes. I almost always have at least one student fail an
assignment because they do not cite the material that they use. Break the trend; cite your resources!
Before you begin this assignment, I am expecting you to have read Tiffany and Ringe, Biblical
Interpretation: A Roadmap, pages 1-125. There are also videos on Blackboard demonstrating how to do
each of the skills. The assessment for this paper is based on whether or not you show competence for
the goal listed in each section. You will not be doing everything listed in pp. 1-125 for the midterm; the
final steps will be covered in the complete roadmap assignment, due in November.
Choose one of the following texts for your passage. For Step 4: Gospel Comparison, you will consider
only the parallel in Matthew or Mark, even if there are other parallels in Luke and John. The passage in
parentheses is the passage you should consider for your parallel. The passage outside parentheses, in
bold, is your assigned text, which I also call your “home” passage.
– John the Baptist’s ministry and Jesus’ baptism: Matthew 3:1-17 (Mark 1:2-11)
– John the Baptist’s death: Mark 6:14-29 (Matthew 14:1-12)
– Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem: Matthew 21:1-11 (Mark 11:1-11)
– Jesus and a rich man: Mark 10:17-31 (Matthew 19:16-30)
1 If you do, please use the actual footnote function in Microsoft Word, Google docs, or other word
processing software. Do not simply use superscriipt numbers. If you don’t know how to use the footnote function, a
quick google search can help. In Word on a PC, control-alt-F produces a footnote, or clicking the References tab
and then clicking “Insert Footnote.”
Rubrics
Step 1
10 possible points (10%)
Step 2
10 possible points (10%)
3: Translation Comparison
20 possible points (20%)
3: Outline/Summary
10 possible points (10%)
3: Key Words and Concordance
20 possible points (20%)
4: Gospel Comparison
25 possible points (25%)
Midterm Conclusion
5 possible points (5%)
A Study Bible, preferably NRSV.
– I will use the HarperCollins Study Bible, NRSV. If you are new to seminary, perhaps consider a new
Study Bible to start your journey. If you aren’t, or you really like your current Study Bible, then you
may use it. However, please make sure that it is a study Bible (if it is, it will be titled as such).
Mark Allen Powell, Introducing the New Testament: An Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey (2nd ed.;
Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2018). Listed as “Powell” on the syllabus chart. Available via Wesley library
as an ebook (be sure you are logged into Wesley to access this link).
Frederick C. Tiffany and Sharon Ringe, Biblical Interpretation: A Roadmap (Nashville: Abingdon, 1996).
Other readings will be available via PDF scans on Blackboard. The most important reading for this course is
the Bible.
Required: EITHER of these TWO:
Brian Blount, et. al, True to Our Native Land: An African American Biblical Commentary (Minneapolis:
Fortress, 2007). Listed as TONL on the syllabus chart.
Daniel Platte, et.al., eds. Global Bible Commentary (Nashville: Abingdon, 2004). Listed as GBC on the syllabus
chart.
Highly Recommended:
Kurt Aland, A Synopsis of the Four Gospels
Technical Requirements