1. Introduction (150 words)
This section tells you what you will show this passage means and how you arrive at that conclusion. (Something like a thesis statement). DO NOT write a general introduction to the book or to the city addressed by the document.
2. Occassion of the Letter, why it was written (200-250 words).
Relevant information about the church and the general occasion. Also deal with any specifics about the occasion (who opponents are if there are any, what specific issue your passage addresses, etc.)
My notes: “Cite the text. You can see Timothy went there because the text says this.”
3. Boundaries of the passage (150-200 words)
How does it fit with what is around it?
Where does the passage begin and end and how do you know that?
Compare translations and commentaries.
4. Literary Context (200 words)
How does your passage fit into the larger argument of the immediate section? How does your passage fit into the larger argument of the document? You may need to identify what part of the book the passage is in. (For example, in a letter, you might need to identify whether your passage comes from e.g., the thanksgiving, body, ect.)
5. Verse by Verse treatment (2000-2,400 words). Do each of these things as the need arises in the text.
Form/Genre (200 words) : Identify overarching literary and rhetorical devices if any are used. You will particularly want to do this with specific rhetorical features that appear in only one or two verses. Describe the flow of the argument within the passage (200 words). Where does the emphasis lie? How do the pieces fit together?
Word studies
Specific historical questions (what specific issue does the passage address?)
How does it address those issues?
Text critical matters
6. Idenify the main theological assertions (200-400 words)
What theological category is primary?
What are the central theological assertions?
What is the thrust of the passage?
My notes: “Own your argument”