Assessment Task 1: Critical Exegetical Portfolio

Institutional Context

Indicative Institution: Charles Sturt University (Australia)

School: School of Theology

Course Code: THL201

Course Title: Biblical Interpretation and Method

Study Period: Session 1, 2026

Assessment Weight: 30%

Assessment Overview

The assessment evaluates students’ ability to interpret biblical texts using recognised hermeneutical methods and scholarly sources. The task reflects standard assessment structures used in biblical studies units across Australian and UK universities between 2023 and 2026. Emphasis falls on textual reasoning, use of academic literature, and clarity of written argument.

Task Requirements

Prepare a critical exegetical portfolio consisting of two linked components:

1. A focused exegetical analysis of a selected New Testament passage (1,500 words).
2. A reflective commentary on methodological choices and interpretive limits (500 words).

Passages must be chosen from the Pauline epistles, excluding texts already analysed in tutorial activities. Approval from the lecturer is required by the end of Week 3.

Exegetical Analysis Guidelines

• Historical and literary context of the passage.
• Discussion of key Greek terms using lexicons or critical commentaries.
• Identification of the author’s rhetorical aims.
• Engagement with at least four peer-reviewed scholarly sources.

Methodological Reflection Guidelines

• Explanation of the interpretive method applied.
• Recognition of interpretive constraints and alternative readings.
• Connection between method and theological conclusions.

Presentation and Submission

• Total length: 2,000 words ±10%.
• Referencing style: SBL Handbook of Style or Harvard.
• Double-spaced, 12-point serif font.
• Submit via the learning management system by Week 7.

Assessment Criteria and Marking Rubric

Textual Analysis (35%)

• Accuracy of textual observation.
• Depth of contextual awareness.

Use of Scholarly Sources (25%)

• Appropriate selection of academic literature.
• Integration of scholarship into analysis.

Methodological Reflection (20%)

• Clear explanation of interpretive approach.
• Critical awareness of limitations.

Argument and Structure (10%)

• Logical progression of ideas.
• Coherence between sections.

Academic Writing and Referencing (10%)

• Clarity, grammar, and academic tone.
• Accurate citation and bibliography.

Paul’s ethical reasoning in Romans 12 draws heavily on communal identity rather than individual moral achievement. Parenetic language functions to shape collective practice within a fractured social setting. Attention to rhetorical flow shows how exhortation follows theological exposition rather than replacing it. Interpretive limits emerge when modern ethical categories are imposed without regard for ancient social structures. Responsible exegesis therefore depends on sustained attention to historical context and textual argument (Westerholm, 2019).

References

• Westerholm, S. (2019). Justification Reconsidered. Eerdmans. https://www.eerdmans.com/Products/8051/justification-reconsidered.aspx
• Porter, S.E. (2018). Hermeneutics: An Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Baker Academic. https://bakeracademic.com/p/hermeneutics/40995
• Keener, C.S. (2019). Christobiography. Eerdmans. https://www.eerdmans.com/Products/7993/christobiography.aspx
• Green, J.B. (2021). Scripture and theology in biblical interpretation. Journal of Theological Interpretation, 15(2), 165–180. https://doi.org/10.2307/48670752