Name: (((This is the actual template that has to be completed—PLEASE USE THIS TEMPLATE ONLY)))
Bible Study Project: Interpretation
Passage: Acts 19:11-22 (Please use this passage Acts 19:11-22 to complete this homework)
A. Summarize: Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (200-400 words) explain what you think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember two things. First, the focus of this summary is theological and not narrative. In other words, your summary should highlight what this passage communicates about who God is and what God is doing. Second, words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” are application words and not interpretation words. Thus, they should not be used in your answer for this question. Interpretation is about “then and there” and not “here and now.” We were not there so the passage is not about us. Our “part” in the passage is the application or how we will respond to God’s Word.
B. Identify: Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. What is the one thing the whole thing is saying? You should be able to express this principle in 1-3 sentences. As with the previous answer, this principle should be theological and rooted in who God is and/or what God is doing. Please remember that words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” are application words and not interpretation words.
C. Check: Consult at least one scholarly resource to offer support for the theological principle that you believe the passage is teaching. In 1-2 paragraphs (200-400 words), quote, properly cite, and interact with this scholarly resource to demonstrate that it supports your theological and interpretive conclusion.
You must consult the “Commentaries” and the “Bible Dictionaries & Handbooks” tab found on the research guide provided by the Jerry Falwell Library to access the approved academic and scholarly resources. These resources are the only approved resources. Using unapproved resources may result in a score of “0” for this assignment. The research guide can be found by following the link on the Bible Study Project: Interpretation Assignment under Bible Study Project: Interpretation Resource. Please provide at least 3 scholarly references for the writing and in-text ciations. Please ensure Turnin does not show AI content.
—————-
SAMPLE:
Name: Sample ONLY
Bible Study Project: Interpretation Template Example
Passage: Luke 10:38-42 (this is a sample)
A. Summarize: Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (200-400 words) explain what you think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember two things. First, the focus of this summary is theological and not narrative. In other words, your summary should highlight what this passage communicates about who God is and what God is doing. Second, words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” are application words and not interpretation words. Thus, they should not be used in your answer for this question. Interpretation is about “then and there” and not “here and now.” We were not there so the passage is not about us. Our “part” in the passage is the application or how we will respond to God’s Word.
Within the context of Jesus’ life, He is heading to Jerusalem and to the cross. He knows that the time for his crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension is near. So, Jesus has “resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Lk. 9:51). While this event is not taking place in the final days of Jesus earthly life, it is taking place in the last days of His life. While his disciples do not fully grasp all that will happen to Jesus the Messiah, the placement of this narrative within the timeline of Christ’s life highlights the importance of hearing the lasting and sustaining words Jesus is speaking over the temporary fulfilment of a meal.
Mary has taken a position at the feet of Jesus and alongside the disciples. This would be an unusual position for a woman in that culture and time. However, Jesus does not rebuke Mary for taking this position rather than the culturally expected one that Martha had taken. Jesus comment about Mary choosing what is better recognizes the value of his disciples hearing and responding to his message. While the tasks of looking after food preparations are important and valuable, the better choice comes through sitting with Jesus and hearing His words.
Scripture reveals a God who desires to dwell amongst His people. Here Jesus, the Son of God, reveals that desire once again. In John’s Gospel, he tells us that, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). This passage shows a God who is dwelling amongst us his people and delights in individuals who are choosing to dwell in his presence.
B. Identify: Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. What is the one thing the whole thing is saying? You should be able to express this principle in 1-3 sentences. As with the previous answer, this principle should be theological and rooted in who God is and/or what God is doing. Please remember that words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” are application words and not interpretation words.
God’s desire is to dwell with His people. Jesus’ actions reveal a God who values friendship and fellowship over performance and service.
C. Check: Consult at least one scholarly resource to offer support for the theological principle that you believe the passage is teaching. In 1-2 paragraphs (200-400 words), quote, properly cite, and interact with this scholarly resource to demonstrate that it supports your theological and interpretive conclusion.
You must consult the “Commentaries” and the “Bible Dictionaries & Handbooks” tab found on the research guide provided by the Jerry Falwell Library to access the approved academic and scholarly resources. These resources are the only approved resources. Using unapproved resources may result in a score of “0” for this assignment. The research guide can be found by following the link on the Bible Study Project: Interpretation Assignment under Bible Study Project: Interpretation Resource.
The Reformed Expository Commentary notes that “the one thing necessary is to receive the Word of God through the ministry of Jesus Christ. It is by this Word that God gives us the saving knowledge of his Son” (Ryken, p.561). God’s ultimate and eternal desire is to dwell with His people eternally (Rev. 21:3). For this to happen one must first hear the message of Jesus Christ and then receive this saving knowledge of God’s only Son. Salvation is not found in and through service or performance but through hearing and receiving the Word of God, Jesus Christ. Developing this thought further Ryken states, “What we do for Jesus is not the heart of our relationship with Him. He prizes our friendship and our fellowship more highly than our service. He wants us to be with him and to know him. He wants us to give ourselves to him, just as he gives himself to us. The good portion is Jesus himself” (Ryken, p. 562).
Jesus does not condemn Martha for making a poor choice so that service is bad, and fellowship is good. In fact, his “Martha, Martha” would appear to be a statement of affection rather than correction. Instead, what Jesus notes is that “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Lk. 10:42). Mary’s choice was better (as opposed to good vs. bad). This statement by Jesus shows that he is not pitting service against devotion so that one is seen as good and the other as bad. In context of the meal being prepared, the meal would be eaten, enjoyed, and any nourishment provided would last as long as the body allowed for it. However, the words of God and the Word of God (the good portion himself) would last well beyond the duration of any meal. It is this friendship and fellowship, God’s desire to dwell amongst His people, that is revealed through the words and actions of Jesus in this passage.
Bibliography
Ryken, Philip Graham. Luke: Reformed Expository Commentary. Volume 1: Chapters 1-12. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing Company, 2009.