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Biblical Eschatology
Assignment 1 (Option 2), Exegetical Paper from Daniel or Revelation
- Select a Scripture passage of interest from Daniel or Revelation. The passage should be a complete paragraph/thought/concept, not an isolated verse. It should not be longer than one chapter. Study the passage. Use the steps described below as a guideline for your exegetical study. Consult the suggested resources (as well as 3 scholarly books and 3 journal articles) and then reflect on what the passage means in light of that information.
- Address the authorship, audience, genre, and dating of the text.Consider both the immediate and universal contexts. Expound on the text, taking into consideration the historical/cultural/social setting, grammatical issues, word studies in the original language, textual problems, comparing/contrasting similar passages, and related biblical/eschatological issues.
- The paper should be 8-10 pages, double-spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font. At least 9 sources (including reference books, scholarly journal/e-journalarticles, and scholarly books/e-books) should be used. Use the ORU Research and Writing Manual for the structure, style, and format of the paper.
Step 1.Select a Bible passagefrom Daniel or Revelation, and state your preliminary interpretation.Begin with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help you to open your mind and heart to receive His truth and to enable you to think, live and minister in accordance with that truth. Read the selected passage in your favorite version of the Bible. Before doing any further research, considerwhy you chose the passageand what you think it means.
Step 2.Compare two or more versions: Now read the passage in one of the following: the Revised Standard Version, the New Revised Standard Version or the English Standard VersionAND in one of the following: the New International Version, the New American Standard Version, Today’s English Version, the Contemporary English Version, or the New American Bible. A parallel Bible will allow you to compare and contrast several translations at once. Note any differences in the translations. Record your observations or questions. Identify how this comparison has affected your original understanding of the passage.
Step 3.Consider the historical, cultural setting: In two or morescholarly Study Bibles, one-volume Bible Commentaries or Bible Dictionaries read the introductory material on the Book of the Bible in which the passage is found. Note relevant historical, socio-political, and cultural points that may affect the interpretation of the passage. Identifyhow this helps you to understand the passage better.
Step 4. Determine the immediate context: Find an outline of the Book in which your passage is found (some Study Bibles and commentarieshave outlines). Determine where your passage occurs in the outline. Read the chapterswhich immediately precede and follow the one you have chosen. As you read, look for patterns and recurring words or ideas. Reflect on how the immediate context affects the interpretation.
Step 5. Determine the broader context: Using a Bible with cross-references or a Bible Concordance/Lexicon, look up related scriptural passages (including parallel passages, if they occur).Reflect on how the broader context affects the interpretation of the passage.
Step 6. Consult three commentaries: Read the sections related to your chosen passage. Note significant findings from the commentaries, particularly any new insights that may affect the interpretation of the passage.
Step 7. Consider key words/concepts in the original language. Using Biblical/Theological Dictionaries/Encyclopedias and Lexicons, do necessary word studies in the original language for key words or concepts in the passage.
Step 8. Write a revised interpretation of the passage: Summarize your findings. Write a fresh interpretation of the passage, and discuss how this study has confirmed, refined, expanded, or corrected your original understanding. Statehowthis study will affect your understanding of Eschatology.Pray that the Holy Spirit will inspire and empower you to apply your enriched understanding of the passage to your studies, ministry, and Christian walk.
The paper will be graded according to the following rubric:
Introductory Matters: Authorship, Audience, etc.0 – 10
Context of the Text0 – 10
Exposition of the Text0 – 50
Application of the Text0 – 10
Grammar/Logical Progression of Thought0 – 10
Form/Style/Documentation0 – 10
TOTAL0 – 100