Assignment Brief: Research Paper on New Testament Theological Themes for BIBL 460 New Testament Theology

For module leaders teaching BIBL 460, this research paper stands as the culminating assignment, demanding synthesis of major New Testament theological themes across canonical corpora. Students select one central doctrine and trace its development, diversity, and unity in the Gospels, Acts, Pauline letters, General Epistles, and Revelation. The task prioritizes exegetical rigor, engagement with secondary literature, and theological reflection rather than mere description. Assign it early in the term to permit extensive research. During moderation, evaluate exegetical accuracy, handling of inter-textual relationships, critical interaction with scholars, and Turabian compliance for doctoral-level preparation.

Assignment Overview

Write a Research Paper examining one major theological theme in the New Testament. Trace its presentation across the primary New Testament corpora, analyze points of continuity and diversity, and assess its significance for Christian theology.

Assignment Instructions

1. Choose one major New Testament theological theme from options such as Christology, salvation/soteriology, the Holy Spirit/pneumatology, the church/ecclesiology, eschatology, or faith and works (or propose an alternative for approval).
2. Structure the paper with an introduction stating the thesis and methodology, body sections organized by New Testament corpora (e.g., Synoptics, Johannine literature, Pauline corpus, etc.), a synthesis section addressing unity and diversity, and a conclusion on contemporary theological implications.
3. Engage primary New Testament texts exegetically and incorporate at least six scholarly sources, including major New Testament theologies and specialized monographs or journal articles.
4. Use current Turabian format throughout, with footnotes for citations and a bibliography. Demonstrate critical interaction with differing scholarly views.
5. Submit as a single document via the course platform by the due date. The paper must reflect independent research and coherent argumentation.

The paper must be 2,500–3,000 words, excluding title page, footnotes, and bibliography. Substantial deviations will incur penalties.

Marking Rubric

Apply this rubric for rigorous, consistent grading. Total: 100 points.

• Introduction and Thesis (15 points): Clear thesis, scope, and methodological approach. Excellent: 14–15; Good: 11–13; Fair: 8–10; Poor: Below 8.
• Exegetical Analysis by Corpora (30 points): Accurate, detailed treatment of the theme across New Testament sections with textual evidence. Excellent: 27–30; Good: 21–26; Fair: 15–20; Poor: Below 15.
• Synthesis and Theological Reflection (30 points): Insightful discussion of unity, diversity, and canonical coherence with critical engagement. Excellent: 27–30; Good: 21–26; Fair: 15–20; Poor: Below 15.
• Source Interaction (15 points): Effective, critical use of at least six scholarly sources. Excellent: 14–15; Good: 11–13; Fair: 8–10; Poor: Below 8.
• Writing, Structure, and Formatting (10 points): Professional prose, logical organization, and precise Turabian style. Excellent: 9–10; Good: 7–8; Fair: 5–6; Poor: Below 5.

The New Testament presents eschatology as already-not-yet, with Christ’s resurrection inaugurating the last days while awaiting full consummation. In the Synoptics, Jesus proclaims the kingdom as arrived yet future, evident in parables and apocalyptic discourse. Pauline literature emphasizes resurrection union with Christ and future bodily redemption. Johannine writings focus on realized eternal life alongside future judgment. Hebrews and Revelation culminate in new creation and divine victory. Despite diverse emphases, a unified hope centers on Christ’s return and renewal. This framework counters secular optimism and fatalism, grounding Christian ethics in future-oriented hope. As Ladd argues, the kingdom’s dual aspect resolves apparent tensions, affirming present spiritual realities and future cosmic transformation (Ladd, G. E., 1993. A Theology of the New Testament).

References

Ladd, G. E., 1993. A theology of the New Testament. Rev. edn. Eerdmans. DOI: 10.2307/j.ctt1cg4k0k.

Thielman, F., 2018. Theology of the New Testament: A canonical and synthetic approach. Zondervan Academic. Available at: https://zondervanacademic.com/products/theology-of-the-new-testament.

Schreiner, T. R., 2022. New Testament theology: Magnifying God in Christ. Baker Academic. Available at: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/new-testament-theology/345679.

Marshall, I. H., 2004. New Testament theology: Many witnesses, one voice. InterVarsity Press. Available at: https://www.ivpress.com/new-testament-theology.