“MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER” MATTHEW 21:13 AND THE ISAIANIC VISION OF THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD

. Research Paper
(50% of course grade)
Each student will write a research paper.
(1) Research Paper: this paper may be based on either a detailed exegetical study of a
particular passage in Matthew or on a broader topic of interest related to the study of
Matthew. An exegetical paper might consider either a small unit such as Matt 5:17-20
or a bigger unit such as the Sermon on the Mount and their use of Old Testament
passages, words, or motifs. Obvious examples of Matthew’s use of the OT come from
his famous fulfillment quotations (Matt 1:22; 2:15, 17, 23; 3:15; 4:14; 8:17; 12:17;
13:35; 21:4; 26:56; 27:9) and those are great passages to pick. Examples of broader
topics include themes in Matthew, relationship to Mark, literary structure and/or genre
of Matthew etc. In either case (exegesis or broader topic) you will need to establish a
specific research question that will guide your project and give it a clear focus vis-à-visthe Old Testament. For example, an exegesis question might ask, ‘what does the author
of Matthew mean by righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees in
Matthew 5:17-20 and how does he use the Old Testament to bolster his case?
Alternatively, a topical research question might ask, ‘what are the most probable
historical conclusions that we can draw about the author of Matthew’s Gospel given its
repeated use of the Old Testament?’ You need to confirm your research question with
the professor (via email or in person) before writing and submitting your paper. The
paper should be clearly and logically organized with an introduction (identifying your
research question
why you have chosen it, why it is important, and how you will address it), body (present
your research findings and conclusions in an organized and logical fashion), and
conclusion (briefly restate the essence of your study and conclusions). When drawing
your conclusions do not go beyond the evidence but make sure that your conclusions
are supported by your research (sometimes this involves acknowledging that ambiguity
remains and you have not been able to identify a clear and unambiguous answer to
your question). Use appropriate section and subs-section titles to help show the logical
flow of the paper.
The following guidelines are relevant to the paper:
Style: The paper should be approximately 10 pages in length (maximum 12, not including title
page or bibliography) with footnotes (not endnotes) and a bibliography of sources consulted.
Please follow the SBL Handbook (2nd edition) for format. The paper should be written in 12-
point font, double-spaced, and preferably Times Roman font with 1-inch margins. The
bibliography should include all items of secondary and primary literature that is cited (not
Bibles but it is good to indicate in a footnote or parenthesis which version/versions you are
using) and should include a good cross section of types (commentaries; books; articles) and
viewpoints. Make sure to include page numbers and a title page (title of paper; your name; due
date; course code and name of professor). Please also consult “General Guidelines for
Submission of Written Work” below.
Secondary literature: in keeping with the grading rubric below an A/B paper will include
between (at least) 8 to 20 items in your bibliography. The only items included in this count will
be secondary scholarly sources that go beyond any assigned course reading and have obvious
relevance to your paper. These include such things as scholarly commentaries, NT
Introductions, NT Theologies, books, and articles/essays (e.g., in dictionaries and essay
collections). If there is significant interaction (versus a brief citation) with a primary source
(e.g., Josephus or Philo etc.) then the reference to this primary source will be included in the
bibliography count.
Work hard to understand and represent the authors accurately while bringing their
ideas into constructive dialogue with one another and with your own. Avoid unthinking
reliance upon authors you like or agree with and overly quick dismissal of authors you
disagree with. You should cite all sources appropriately in footnotes (not endnotes) and
provide a full bibliography at the end of your paper.