Guidelines for Exegetical Paper
NT 5 – Spring 2004
Dr. Roy Lucas
(adapted with permission from Dr. Helton’s Hermeneutics Course)

FORM
The paper is to by typed using double spacing, a twelve point font and one inch margins.  The minimum length is eight (8) pages; the maximum length is twelve (12) pages (excluding title page and reference list).  You must cite at least 6 quality sources in your paper.  Other matters of form are to adhere to Clear Creek’s Style manual available in the library.

1. TITLE PAGE (1 PAGE)
This page should clearly state the passage, the course title, the professor’s name, the date submitted, and your name.

2. MAIN IDEA AND OUTLINE (1 PAGE)
Summarize the main idea of the text in a single sentence. Then present a full outline of the passage, showing how the main idea unfolds. For each main point of your outline, show in parenthesis which verses correspond. All of the verses of the passage should be included in the main points of your outline.

3. INTRODUCTION (1/2 – 1 PAGE)
This paragraph should gain the reader’s attention and introduce the main idea of the passage.

4. CONTEXT (1-2 PAGES)
This part consists of two sections. FIRST, write a brief discussion of the historical and cultural context of the book. What do your readers know about the biblical author, the original audience, and their world in order to grasp the meaning of the passage?  SECOND, identify and describe the literary context of your passage. Describe the author’s flow of thought in the book and discuss how the current passage fits into that flow of thought. How does this passage relate to the one immediately before the one you are studying and the following the passage?

5. CONTENT (5-7 PAGES)
This represents the body of your paper and the heart of your exegetical work. Let the main points of your outline function as subheadings. Make a detailed explanation of the passage. Explain what your text says and what it meant in its biblical context. Include significant elements of context and history. Don’t forget to include word studies and other important theological elements. 

6. APPLICATION (1 PAGE)
You should be able to apply what you have learned to yourself and to a contemporary audience. Be practical and realistic. Don’t drop the ball here. 

7. REFERENCE LIST PAGE (1 PAGE)
Follow Clear Creek’s Style Manual. Don’t forget to include at least 6 sources.

PASSAGES FOR IBS
SPRING 2004
NT 6

Passage	Student’s  Name	Student’s Name	Student’s Name	
1 Thessalonians 1: 2-3	
			
1 Thessalonians 3: 11-13	
			
1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18	
			
1 Thessalonians 5: 14-22	
			
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12	
			
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17	
			
Galatians 1: 1-5	
			
Galatians 3: 6-14	
			
Galatians 3: 15-22	
			
Galatians 4: 8-11	
			
Galatians 4: 21-31	
			
Galatians 5: 1-12	
			
Galatians 5: 16-24	
			
Galatians 6: 1-5	
			
Galatians 6: 6-10