Assignment Brief: New Testament Bible Study – Part 2 Final Paper for BIBL 110 New Testament Survey

As module leaders prepare for BIBL 110, note that this capstone assignment builds directly on earlier hermeneutical practice. It requires students to apply observation, interpretation, correlation, and application to a specific Gospel passage. This format recurs in Liberty’s biblical studies sequence, stressing exegetical method over personal reflection alone. Introduce it mid-semester after foundational content, allowing time for scholarly sourcing. Moderate for accurate use of hermeneutics and proper citation to meet external review standards.

Assignment Overview

For this final paper, complete a detailed Bible study of one assigned New Testament narrative passage from the Gospels using the provided template structure. Demonstrate mastery of inductive Bible study methods to interpret the text accurately and apply it meaningfully.

Assignment Instructions

1. Choose one passage from the approved list: Matthew 15:32-39 (Feeding of the 4,000), John 5:1-17 (Healing at Bethesda), or John 14:1-12 (Jesus as the Way).
2. Use the New Testament Bible Study template sections: Background, Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, Application, and Conclusion.
3. Include at least three scholarly sources beyond the Bible and course textbook for support in interpretation and correlation.
4. Employ APA formatting with in-text citations and a references page. The paper must integrate biblical evidence and secondary sources effectively.
5. Submit the completed template as a single document via the course platform by the specified due date.

The assignment length is approximately 1,200–1,500 words across all sections, excluding references. Deductions apply for submissions exceeding or falling short by more than 10%.

Marking Rubric

Use this rubric for consistent grading and feedback. Total: 100 points.

• Background and Observation (20 points): Thorough historical/literary context and detailed text observations. Excellent: 18–20; Good: 14–17; Fair: 10–13; Poor: Below 10.
• Interpretation (25 points): Sound exegesis showing original meaning and authorial intent. Excellent: 23–25; Good: 18–22; Fair: 13–17; Poor: Below 13.
• Correlation (20 points): Clear connections to broader Scripture with accurate cross-references. Excellent: 18–20; Good: 14–17; Fair: 10–13; Poor: Below 10.
• Application (20 points): Relevant, theologically grounded personal and contemporary applications. Excellent: 18–20; Good: 14–17; Fair: 10–13; Poor: Below 10.
• Source Use and Citation (10 points): Integration of three scholarly sources with proper APA. Excellent: 9–10; Good: 7–8; Fair: 5–6; Poor: Below 5.
• Mechanics and Structure (5 points): Clear writing, organization, grammar, and formatting. Excellent: 5; Good: 4; Fair: 3; Poor: Below 3.

In John 5:1-17, Jesus heals a man lame for thirty-eight years at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, prompting conflict with Jewish leaders. The passage highlights Jesus’ authority over the law and his identity as the Son who works as the Father does. Observation reveals the man’s long affliction, the pool’s superstition, and Jesus’ direct command to rise. Interpretation centers on the miracle as a sign of eschatological restoration and Jesus’ claim to divine equality. Correlation links this to Old Testament Sabbath themes and other healings in John that point to belief in Christ. Application calls believers to recognize Jesus’ power to bring wholeness amid legalism. As Köstenberger explains, these signs authenticate Jesus’ messianic mission and invite faith (Köstenberger, A. J., 2019. A Theology of John’s Gospel and Letters).

References

Köstenberger, A. J., 2019. A theology of John’s Gospel and letters: The Word, the Christ, the Son of God. Zondervan Academic. DOI: 10.2307/j.ctvqf8q0q.

Carson, D. A., 2020. The Gospel according to John. Eerdmans. Available at: https://www.eerdmans.com/Products/9780802836830/the-gospel-according-to-john.aspx.

Blomberg, C. L., 2018. Jesus and the Gospels: An introduction and survey. B&H Academic. Available at: https://www.bhacademic.com/product/jesus-and-the-gospels-an-introduction-and-survey-second-edition/.

Keener, C. S., 2021. The Gospel of John: A commentary. Baker Academic. DOI: 10.2307/j.ctv1ddctf0.