EXEGETICAL GUIDE FOR A PASSAGE FOUND IN ALL THREE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS Frank G. Carver
12-15 pages (2500-3000 words). Due December 4. 20% of semester grade.
Choose a pericope occurring in all three Synoptic Gospels. Quote all three passages from a standard English version (NASB, NIV, NASB) at the beginning of your papers.
Research and write your paper according to the following outline. Use headings to indicate the stages of your psper.
I. Literary Setting
Locate your texts in the content and structure of each of the three gospels. State as clearly as you can the role of your passage in each of its three literary settings. You may need to use a brief outline of each book.
II. Structure and Form
Analyze the structure (i.e. identify by function its major elements) of the passage as found in each of its three literary settings. Be alert to any differences from gospel to gospel.
Identify the form (literary genre) of your pericope and seek to ascertain its function as a genre apart from its setting in each of the gospels.
Note how this form is used (and perhaps altered) in each of the gospels.
III. Detailed Analysis
Using or following the structure analysis as made above examine the content and function of each basic element in your passage.
Pay attention to
The meaning of words (terms) and phrases.
The syntax of the passage, that is the force of connectives and the significance of how words, phrases, clauses, sentences, and even larger units relate to each other.
The rhetorical devices and smaller literary forms used in the passage.
The significance of the differences in vocabulary, syntax, and structure from gospel to gospel. What is unique to each source and why?
Conclude your treatment of each structural element of the passage with a summary comment that indicates its particular meaning and role in the whole of the text. You may have to indicate some differences from gospel to gospel. But leave any general summary or concluding statements on the whole to the next phase of the study.
This section is the “body” of your paper where the detailed research is done. Here is where you gather the data. Do not slight it!
IV. Summary Interpretation
Now all of the above data is brought to bear on your summary interpretations. Your statements are fourfold.
In each gospel setting beginning with Mark, then Matthew and Luke, state your conclusions in regard to the passage as to the dominating intention or function and its meaning or biblical theological import (what it meant).
Then using the data and conclusions you have plus your imagination seek to interpret the passage’s intention and meaning in the historical setting of Jesus’ ministry (i.e., that is before the account was written in any of the three gospels).
V. Contemporary Relevance (Theological Witness)
Write a paragraph as to what the text means as you articulate its witness to your personal spiritual life.
Then spin out as best you can what you sense to be the message of the text to contemporary Christianity and to the world in which we live. This can be expressed either in the form of a theological-devotional essay or in a detailed sermon outline.
Explanatory Note: this exegetical guide presupposes the study of a passage from the perspective of its total representation in the Synoptic tradition. When the results of this exegetical procedure are used to inform a message to a contemporary audience it is best to chose the perspectives and concerns of a particular canonical setting—Mark, Matthew, or Luke. These are not mutually exclusive but overlap considerably and are mutually enriching. The bridge that can best link the text to current issues by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is the dominating theological motif of a specific literary setting of a text. It is the Bible as written that is Scripture! This would not necessarily exclude the construction of a message by developing the import of Jesus’ words and/or deeds via the varying motifs that have controlled its transmission from the historical ministry of Jesus to their places in the New Testament canon. There is a real and legitimate continuity in the developing use of the tradition concerning the earthly Jesus, for the proclamation of his saving significance was conducted under the lordship of his risen presence in the early Christian communities. But remember, when you are reconstructing settings, etc., behind that of the written text, YOU ARE RECONSTRUCTING!
Bibliography
Your bibliography should contain only the sources used in this study. To multiply sources can lead to confusion and frustration. Choose your sources carefully, ask the right questions of the biblical text, and utilize your sources to complete your answers. You own observation of the English text is the first and most legitimate source. Suggested sources are the following:
1. Your Gospel Synopsis is your primary tool. 2. Two introductory treatments—these can be found in New Testament introductions, Bible Dictionary articles, or Commentaries. 3. At least two English translations (Greek text if you can use it) produced by a scholarly committee. Periphrastic versions are like a commentary. 4. Two or three commentaries on each biblical book, as recent and comprehensive as possible. A New Testament theology and/or exegetical-theological monographs relevant to your passage.
Evaluation Criteria
Correct mechanics are assumed!
Spelling Grammar Form Neatness
Exegetical Procedure
Proper methodology Choice of adequate resources Proper use of sources Adequate documentation Quality of presentation including writing style and reasoning processes
Interpretive Insight
Quality of content Depth of understanding Evidence of first-hand struggle with the text Creativity in current theological relevance Consistency of contemporary application
Passages Listed from Mark assuming Matthew and Luke parallels as found in your Synopsis Please check you passage with the professor to be sure it is a viable passage for you.
Mark 1:1-6 Mark 1:7-8 Mark 2:9-11 Mark 1:40-45 Mark 2:1-12 Mark 3:13-17 Mark 2:18-22 Mark 2:23-28 Mark 3:1-6 Mark 3:23-30 Mark 4:1-9 Mark 4:10-12 Mark 4:13-20 Mark 6:14-16 Mark 6:30-44 Mark 8:27-33 Mark 8:34-9:1 Mark 9:2-8 Mark 9:14-29 Mark 9:30-32 Mark 9:33-37 Mark 10:1-12 Cf. Matthew 5:31-32 Mark 10:13-16 Mark 10:17-31 Mark 10:32-34 Mark 10:35-45 Mark 10:46-52 Mark 11:1-10 Mark 11:11 Mark 11:27-33 Mark 12:1-12 Mark 12:13-17 Mark 12:18-37 Mark 12:28-34 Mark 12:35-37a Mark 12:37b-40 Mark 13:1-4 Mark 13:5-8 Mark 13:9-13 Mark 13:14-20 Mark 13:24-27 Mark 13:28-37 Mark 14-15 The Passion Narrative Any viable pericope that has Matthean and Lukan parallels Mark 16:1-8 Evaluation Criteria
Correct mechanics are assumed!
Spelling Grammar Form Neatness
Exegetical Procedure
Proper methodology Choice of adequate resources Proper use of sources Adequate documentation Quality of presentation including writing style and reasoning processes
Interpretive Insight
Quality of content Depth of understanding Evidence of first-hand struggle with the text Creativity in current theological relevance Consistency of contemporary application
A step that is often included is delineate your passage, that is justify your choice of where it begins and ends. Pericope means “cut around.” To be complete this type of study should begin with “gospel” as a literary genre and its function in the life setting of the first century church, followed by the relating of each of the synoptic gospels to it and their unique historical and literary origin, purpose, and theological-witness intention in the life of the Church and in the New Testament canon. These issues we have covered in our textbook.
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