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The Master’s Seminary

Style Guide Summary for Papers,

Theses, Projects, and
Dissertations

A Supplement to
Turabian 8th Edition
and the
SBL Handbook of Style
(modified: 24 September 2013)
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Table of Contents

Section One: Punctuation, Usage, and Formatting

Section Two: English Bible Versions
Section Three: Citing Biblical References
Section Four: Citing Books and Monographs
Section Five: Citing and Journal or Periodical Listing
Section Six: Citing Dead Sea Scrolls and Other Materials
Section Seven: Citing Electronic and Database Resources
Section Eight: Citing Publisher Information
Section Nine: Style for Theses, Projects, and Dissertations
Section Ten: Theses, Projects, and Dissertations – Special Requirements
Section Eleven: Formatting for Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Appendix One: Abbreviations for Books of the Bible and Apocrypha

Appendix Two: Samples of From Matter and Chapter Headings
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The Master’s Seminary

Style Guide Summary for Papers, Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

(modified: 24 September 2013)

The standard writing style for The Master’s Seminary is A Manual for Writers of
Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by Kate L. Turabian (commonly called
Turabian for short). The 8th edition has been thoroughly revised and updated by Wayne
C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams (University of Chicago Press,
2007). This edition is based on the new 16th Edition of The Chicago Manual of Style. In
this new edition of Turabian, TMS utilizes the citation styles in Chapter 17, not the
optional in-text style system of Chapter 19.

Only the most recent (8th) edition of Turabian is to be consulted for issues of style and
formatting.

As noted in this Guide, The SBL Handbook of Style For Ancient Near Eastern, Biblical, and
Early Christian Studies (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1999), will also be
followed for certain specialty items of formatting unique to Biblical and theological
writing. (Note: a new edition of the SBL Handbook is due to be released this winter.
When it becomes available TMS will switch to the updated version).

All questions about style and formatting (interpretations and applications of obscure
points in Turabian, etc.) shall be referred to the seminary librarian.

1 Punctuation, Usage and Formatting

1.1 Abbreviations

In formal writing, abbreviations are generally to be avoided within the body

of a work but are more allowable in the notations.

1.1.1 Abbreviations for Books of the Bible and Materials Related to Biblical and
Theological Studies

The SBL Handbook of Style For Ancient Near Eastern, Biblical, and Early
Christian Studies (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1999) listing of
abbreviations is the standard which shall be followed for all work at The
Master’s Seminary.

1.1.2 Abbreviations for Journal, Series Titles, and well-known Reference Works
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Abbreviations for journal and series titles, as well as well-known reference

works, should be used in footnotes. In the bibliography, all of those names
should always be spelled out in full.

• Within footnotes, the standard SBL abbreviations are to be used for series
identification; they should not be spelled out (e.g., F. F. Bruce, The Book of
Acts, NICNT… not, New International Commentary on the New
Testament). If the series does not have an abbreviation listed in the SBL
guide, consult the librarian for any updates. Most new series are creating
abbreviations for their work in conjunction with SBL ahead of time.
Series abbreviations are not italicized.

• Care must be exercised in the proper use and selection of abbreviations.

For instance, some abbreviations in the guide are only differentiated by
one being italicized and the other not (e.g., SB = Sources Bibliques, while
SB = Sammelbuch greichischer…). Also, different editions of the same title
in several cases have different abbreviations (e.g., The Greek-English
Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature utilizes
BAG for the first edition; BAGD for the second edition; and BDAG for the
third edition.

• See the Abbreviation Listing on the seminary web page at

http://www.tms.edu/LibraryAbbreviations.aspx

• Important Note: The proper abbreviation for The Master’s Seminary

Journal has now changed from the traditional TMSJ to MSJ. TMSJ is no
longer an acceptable abbreviation.

• For abbreviations for obscure or highly specialized works, see:

Siegfried M. Schwertner
International Glossary of Abbreviations for Theology and Related
Subjects (IATG2)
Berlin, Walter de Gruter, 1992

1.1.3 Abbreviations for States in Bibliographies and Footnotes

The two letter postal abbreviations are now the standard for all bibliographic
and footnote references.

1.2 em and en Dashes, and Hyphens

The em dash is used to set off a phrase within a sentence much as a comma
might, but when the writer wishes to bring more attention to the set off. It
can also be used instead of parenthesis marks. The long em dash—may not
have a space between it—on either end whether for a set off or parenthesis.
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The shorter en dash takes the place of the word “through” (see page numbers
above). It is also used in biblical references for the same purpose. For
example: Rom 3:1–9 (no spaces between the number reference and the dash
on either side). The use of simple hyphens for these purposes is not
acceptable.

1.3 Contractions

Contractions such as can’t, won’t, shouldn’t, wouldn’t, it’s, etc., are not
permitted in papers, theses, projects, or dissertations.

1.4 The Use of First Person

The use of first person pronouns (and general first person writing) is
allowable when appropriate for clarity or style. The previous rigid rule of
always writing in the third person in formal writing has been eliminated.
(See section 11.1.7 of Turabian). However, the use of first person should not
be overdone.

1.5 Formatting Guidelines

Regular papers submitted in class shall follow the Turabian formatting

guidelines unless the assignment is specialized (such as a chart or some
exegetical comparative paper) or the individual professor has a specific
format for students to follow.

1.5.1 Title Page

For classroom papers, title pages are required at the discretion of the
individual professor. But when required, they shall use the standard format
as noted in Turabian figure A-1 (page 378).

1.5.2 Bibliographies

A bibliography required for a paper may be listed in the standard method

outlined in Turabian.

1.5.3 Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

See Section 9 and Section 10 of this document for formatting information

unique to theses, projects, and dissertations.

2 English Bible Versions

2.1 Translations models

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Theses, projects, and dissertations shall use a standard “Formal Equivalence”

model of English Bible translation throughout the work that shall be agreed
upon by the candidate and their advisor. Upon the first Bible quotation in the
work, a footnote shall appear indicating that “Unless otherwise noted all
Scripture quotations in this [thesis/dissertation] are from the _________ [fill in
the blank] translation.”

 Explanatory note: “Formal Equivalence” refers to the NASB or NASU,

ESV, NKJV, or KJV. For instance, while the Darby Translation is
“Formal Equivalence,” it would not be considered “standard”
translation.
 The abbreviations for New American Standard Bible (NASB) and the
New American Standard Updated edition of 1998 (NASU) need to be
noted and not confused.

2.2 Citing Scripture Quotations

All English Scripture quotations that may appear in the work other than the
base translation for that work shall be noted in the following manner:

Indicate in the text in a manner that makes it clear to the reader that the
Scripture quotation is from a particular translation. For example, “The
English Standard Version renders the passage as…”

If the text is not a proper setting to indicate a change in Bible versions then a
simple in-text citation after the quoted passage shall be used. For example,
“So, if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me”
(Phlm 17, ESV).

 A footnote indicating full publishing detail is not required for an English

Bible version, unless some other matter, such as the preface or a
marginal notation, etc., is being quoted instead of the actual Bible verse.
English Bible Versions are not listed separately in a bibliography.

3 Citing Biblical References

3.1 Abbreviations for Biblical Books

The abbreviations for biblical books in Turabian shall not be used. The
abbreviations found on pages 73–74 in the SBL Guide of the books (without a
period) of the Bible are to be used (see Appendix One of this document).

• No period is to be used after the abbreviation when it occurs within a

sentence (e.g., “In Rom 3:1–9, Paul discusses…”)
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• When the Biblical reference begins a sentence, the name of the book
must be spelled out fully (e.g., “Romans is a book in which…”).
• Books containing a numerical title, when used within a sentence, use an
Arabic numeral (e.g., “as Paul notes in 2 Cor 2:7…”), not a Roman
numeral (e.g., I, II, III).

However, when the reference begins a sentence, then the numerical

reference must be spelled out (e.g., “Second Corinthians begins with…”)
• An “en” dash is to be used even to link two verses (e.g., Rom 3:1–2).
Using a comma, such as Rom 3:1, 2, is improper.
• When multiple verses in the same context are referenced the proper
form would be Rom 3:1, 7, 13. Or, Rom 3:1–2, 7. Consecutive verses are
not to be separated by a comma.

3.2 Old Testament References

Be certain that in Old Testament references the proper (and uniform)

versification is being cited, since English, Hebrew, and LXX versification can
vary at places.

4 Citing Books and Monographs

4.1 Edition of a Book

The proper edition of a book must always be listed. Note: “first edition” is
assumed and not noted.

4.2 Multiple Editions

When multiple editions of a work exist, the most recent edition of that work
should be cited. For example, the most recent edition of A Greek English
Lexicon of the New Testament (BDAG) is the Third Edition. That edition is the
proper one to cite. If a specific reason exists for citing an earlier edition (e.g.
a textual change from one edition to another), then that must be noted in a
footnote with an explanation as to the rationale.

• Any edition other than the first must be noted. For example:

A. Carson, New Testament Commentary Survey, 6th ed. (Grand Rapids:

1D.

Baker Books, 2007).

Note that the “6th ed.,” although part of the proper title is not italicized and,
unlike a normal title, there is a period before the publisher information. Also,
only the date of the edition being cited need be listed. The dates of previous
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editions are not to be listed. Also, note that the period (.) after ed. and before
the parenthesis for the publisher information is an exception to the general
rule on punctuation in this format.

4.3 Reprint Editions

When citing a reprint edition of a book in a footnote, only the date of the
original edition needs to be cited, no longer the complete information of the
original publisher. For example:

1Charles H. Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students (1889; repr., Pasadena, TX:

Pilgrim Publishers, 1992).

• Important Note: In a bibliographic entry, Reprint is to be spelled out,

not abbreviated. For example:

Spurgeon, Charles H. Lectures to My Students. 1889. Reprint, Pasadena,

TX: Pilgrim Publishers, 1992.

4.4 Titles

Normally only the main title of a work needs to be listed in a citation. A sub-
title may be listed at the discretion of the writer or if it assists in
distinguishing one work from another. A sub-title (if included, although it is
not required) is italicized just as the main title.

4.5 Series Notations

In either a footnote citation or bibliographic citation, if a work exists within a

series, the series title abbreviation must be listed. For example, Douglas
Moo’s commentary on James is in The Pillar New Testament Commentary
Series, it should be cited as follows:

1 Douglas J. Moo. The Letter of James, PNTC (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans

Publishing, 2000), 123.

• Please note that the series abbreviation is not italicized and in the
bibliography would be spelled out, not abbreviated.

• Also, care should be used in not confusing a series title with the title of
the book. For example:

This would be an incorrect citation:

1John MacArthur Jr. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary,

Matthew 1–7 (Chicago: Moody Press, 1985), 37.

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The MacArthur New Testament Commentary is a series title, not part of

the proper title of the work. This would be the correct citation:

1JohnMacArthur. Matthew 1–7, MacNTC (Chicago: Moody

Publishers, 1985), 37.

For a bibliographic entry, the series title would be spelled out as

follows:

MacArthur, John. Matthew 1–7, MacArthur New Testament

Commentary. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1985.

4.6 Use of Abbreviations in Citations

Abbreviations for journal and series titles and well-known reference

works should be used in footnotes. In the bibliography, all of those
names should always be spelled out in full.

See Section 1 of this document for further information on the use of

abbreviations.

5 Citing a Journal or Periodical Listing

The proper method for citing a journal article is as follows:

Dennis M. Swanson, “The Downgrade Controversy and Evangelical

1

Boundaries: Some Lessons from Spurgeon’s Battle for Evangelical

Orthodoxy,” Faith and Mission 20, no. 2 (Spring 2003): 16–39.

5.1 Volume and Issue Number

Note the proper manner to note the volume and issue number. Do not use
20:2 or 20/2 in any instance. Also, a colon is to follow the parenthesis before
the pagination reference is given. The information on year in parenthesis
should be written out in the same manner that the journal itself uses. Note:
the issue number is a required piece of bibliographic information.

5.2 Page Numbering

Remember page-numbering references are abbreviated. For example: 151–

75, not 151–175. The exception is when a new series of numbers is crossed
(e.g.: 183–217) or when the number increases by adding a decimal (e.g.: 75–
153), the other exception is when following the rule would lead to the first
number being a zero (e.g., 200–209 not 200–09 or 200–9).
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5.2.1 Noting the Page Number in a Footnote for a Multi-volume Work

When citing the page number in a multi-volume work, the volume number
appears first followed by a colon and then the page number of the individual
volume. For example:

1 James K. Hoffmeier, “Eighteenth Dynasty Inscriptions: The Tomb

Biography of Ahmose of Nekheb (2.1),” in The Context of Scripture, William
W. Hallo and K. Lawson Younger, eds. (Leiden: Brill, 1996), 2:5.

5.3 Use of Abbreviations in Citations

Abbreviations for journal and series titles and well-known reference

works should be used in footnotes. In the bibliography, all of those
names should always be spelled out in full.

• See Section 1 of this document for further information on the use

of abbreviations.

6 Citing Dead Sea Scroll, Classical, and Other References

6.1 References to classical and other ancient works should follow the
abbreviations of the SBL Guide.

6.2 See Section 1 of this document for further information on the use of
abbreviations.

7 Citing Electronic Sources (NOTE: CHANGE FROM 7th EDITION)

7.1 Online and Internet Sources

All online and Internet source examplesm(web pages, blogs, email, etc) will
be guided by Turabian 17.7 It must be remembered that a URL will not
necessarily take the reader back to the original article (if it was generated by
a database for instance), and that they need to retain a printed copy or a
electronic copy of the item(s) that can be easily produced in case the source
or citation is called into question.

A proper citation of a source from the internet is:

1 Dennis M. Swanson, “Millenarismus Quondam Iterum: The Westminster

Assembly,”accessed on September 24, 2013,
http://www.narnia3.com/mt/Blog/Archives/000169.html .
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• Important Note: There is no punctuation mark between the URL

and the note on access.

7.2 Citation of CD-ROM Material or Bible Program Materials

Students may not cite an electronic source for a book that is common or
readily available in the library. For instance the electronic version of the
Word Biblical Commentary or MacArthur New Testament Commentary may
not be cited in a paper, theses, or dissertation either in a footnote or in the
bibliography.

7.3 Citation of e-Book Sources

There are a number of electronic book sources now available for general use
and some materials only exist in that format. When citing an electronic book
or e-Book the reference must contain the actual type or model of e-Book
being used (Amazon Kindle, Microsoft, Sony, etc.) and the location number of
the quote (since actual page numbers are not created). For example:

Brent Laytham, ed., God Does Not...: Entertain, Play Matchmaker, Hurry,
1D.

Demand Blood, Cure Every Illness (Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2008), Kindle
e-book, locations 552–53.
In addition, students must be aware that a professor or advisor may request
to see the device and examine the quotation and that the student must be
able to comply with this request. See Turabian 17.1.10 for detailed entry
descriptions.

8 Citing Publisher Information

8.1 Place of Publication

When listing the publisher’s location, use the main or first listed city (only
one city is necessary). Only cities with which an average reader may be
unfamiliar require a state designation. For instance, New York, Los Angeles,
Chicago, etc., do not require a state designation. Cities like Downers Grove,
IL; Wheaton, IL; Phillipsburg, NJ; Carlisle, PA; etc., would require a state
abbreviation in both a footnote and bibliography.

• For TMS purposes, Grand Rapids does not require a state designation. It
is a well-known publishing center, even within secular scholarship.
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• When the city name is obscure but the state is identified by the publisher
name, the state abbreviation is omitted. For example: Chapel Hill:
University of North Carolina Press.

• Cambridge must always carry a state or country designation so that they

can be differentiated.

8.1.1 Works with More than One Publisher

When more than one publisher is listed, for example several publishers work
in conjunction such as Eerdmans and Brill and Eerdmans and Apollos, only
the first publisher should be noted. Multiple publishers are generally
indicative of cooperation between American and European publishers.

8.1.2 “Imprints” or “Divisions” within a Publishing House

Some publishers have individual “imprints” or “divisions” which indicate a

different a publishing house now owned by a larger corporation or a sub-
division of the larger publishers created for marketing or corporate
purposes. In this case the full publishing name is required. For example, the
correct listing for an imprint would be:

• Regency Reference Library, an Imprint of Zondervan Publishing.

• Nelson Bibles, a Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers.

8.1.2.1 Accuracy

It must also be remembered that the publisher’s name, like that of an author,
should normally appear exactly as it occurs in the work being cited, even if
you know the publisher has changed or altered its name. Also use the
publishers name as it appears on the title page of the work, not the spine.
Some extraneous part of their corporate title (e.g., Inc., Corporation,
Company, etc. or articles) should be eliminated.

For example, currently the Oxford University Press would be the correct
name to use for their most recently printed works. However, in the past the
name was The Clarendon Press at Oxford University. For older works from
the press, use Clarendon Press and for newer works use Oxford University
Press.

For TMS purposes, the below listed publishers should be cited as follows:

 Zondervan Publishing House: Use, Zondervan Publishing.

 Baker Book House: Use, Baker Books.
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 William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company: Use, Eerdmans

Publishing (note the correct name is Eerdmans, not Eerdman’s).
 Broadman and Holman Publishing: Use, Broadman & Holman.
 The Banner of Truth Trust: Use, Banner of Truth.
 InterVarsity Press: Use the same, noting there is no space between
the title words (do not use the initials IVP in place of the publisher
name).
 Kregel Publications: Use as listed, do not just use Kregel.
 Crossway Books: Use as listed, do not simply use Crossway.
 Moody Publishers: Use as listed (use Moody Press for older works
where that was still the proper name), do not simply use Moody.
 Brill: Use as listed.
 Hendrickson Publishers: Use as listed.

9 Formatting and Style for Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

9.1 Margins

Margins for theses, projects, and dissertations are different than regular
classroom papers. Regular term papers require one-inch margins on all four
sides. For theses and dissertations the left margin is to be 1 ½ inches and the
other three sides remain at one inch. See Turabian, “Appendix,” 373ff.

9.2 Fonts

All papers, theses, projects and dissertations shall use the Times, Times-
Roman, or Cambria 12 point font for the body of a paper. All footnotes are
one standard size smaller and shall use the Times-Roman 10 point font
(there is now an 11 point font, but it is not considered standard).
• Hebrew and Greek fonts shall be standardized throughout the text.
Note: that various Bible program from which a candidate may “cut
and paste” Hebrew or Greek text into their work may use slightly
different fonts.
• Specialized fonts (Cyrillic, Akkadian, Hieroglyphs, etc.) shall use an
electronic font, no hand-written symbols are permitted within the
body of a work.
• For specialized fonts (other than Greek or Hebrew) the candidate
shall have the font pre-approved by his advisor.

9.3.1 Listing Abbreviations

In some theses, projects, or dissertations, upon the recommendation of the

advisor, it is sometimes necessary to include a front matter listing of
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abbreviations that will appear in the body of the work. In such a list, the
abbreviations of books of the Bible need not be listed.

9.3.2 Transliteration

For work in a paper, thesis, or dissertation requiring the use of

transliteration, the student is to be guided by the SBL Handbook of Style, 25–
31.

9.3.3 Bibliographies

For ease of reference, bibliographies in theses, projects, and dissertations are

normally to be arranged categorically, that is, listing different genres in
separate section (e.g., Reference and Lexical Works; Books and Monographs;
Periodicals; Unpublished and Online Sources). The categories may be more
or less specialized depending on the nature of the work and on the
recommendation of the advisor. A bibliography required for a paper may be
listed in the standard method without categorical divisions.

10 Theses, Projects, and Dissertations—Special Requirements

10.1 Basic Requirements

The following requirements are for all theses, projects, and dissertations.
Please note all of the deadlines that are listed in the TMS catalogue and on
the checklist that each candidate must obtain from their advisor and keep
current.

10.1.2 Paper Requirement

Completed theses, projects, and dissertations must use white (no “off-white”
or ivory color paper will be accepted), acid free paper. Typically, cotton
content should be between 20 to 40% (anything in this range is acceptable).
Watermarked paper is also acceptable, but not required. The first two
requirements, white and acid free paper, are absolutely required.

10.1.3 Footnote Numbering

When writing any thesis, project, or dissertation, each chapter will begin
with a new series of footnote numbers. The same will hold true for
appendices that any work may contain; for example, Appendix One would
begin a new series of footnotes numbers, as would subsequent
appendices. If, within the work, the candidate references his own footnote, it
will be distinguished by the page number and the note number (e.g., “see my
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other sources as listed in citation at 123n14 of this work” or other

appropriate wording).

10.2 Submissions

Upon submitting presentation copies to the library, the following is required:

 One copy in presentation quality paper (as noted above in 10.1.2),

which is bound and placed in the library collection.
 One additional copy (paper quality is not an issue; this copy will be
sent for microfiching and then discarded).
 One CD containing the theses, project, or dissertation in both the
original electronic format of the document (Word, Nota Bene, etc.)
and also in a PDF format.
 The individual candidate may also want bound copy(s) for
themselves. The candidate must submit those extra copies on
presentation quality paper as well.
 The “typical” candidate will therefore submit along with the required
fees (see the checklist for the current fee required), two copies on
presentation quality paper, one copy on standard copier paper, and
one CD with electronic files of the work as noted above.

10.3 Due Dates

Presentation copies of all theses, projects, and dissertations are due on the
first Friday in April. This is an inviolable deadline. Candidates who fail to
meet this deadline will not be allowed to graduate in May.

11 Formatting for Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

11.1 Title Pages

All theses, projects, and dissertations shall have a title page as formatted in
Turabian figure A-2 (page 379). All wording is to be capitalized (no “small
caps”), centered, and 1.5 line spaces.

11.1.2 Title

The title of the work appears THREE 1.5 line spaces after the line with THE
MASTER’S SEMINARY (which appears FOUR 1.5 line space from the top of
the page). If a title extends more than one line it is also separated by 1.5 line
spaces. Remember, if a proper name is in the title it cannot be split by a line,
but must be forced to the next line.
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A STUDY IN PARADOX:
PARADOXICAL CONNECTIONS IN THE THEOLOGICAL CONSTRUCT OF JEROME’S
USEAGE OF THE PAULINE EPISTLES IN HIS
SUMMA CONTRA GENTILES

11.1.3 Submission Notice

The title page shall have its submission notice (FOUR 1.5 line spaces after the
title) in the following manner (following the line breaks in the exact manner
shown and 1.5 line spaces):

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF
MASTER OF THEOLOGY
IN THE DIVISION OF OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES

 Project or Dissertation is substituted for Thesis depending on the

appropriate program.

 The proper Divisional Titles for theses are as follows:

o Division of Bible Exposition
o Division of Old Testament Studies
o Division of New Testament Studies
o Division of Theological Studies
o Division of Pastoral Ministry (used only for the Master of Divinity
thesis)

 Master of Theology can also be Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry or

Doctor of Theology, depending on the program.

 Old Testament can also be New Testament Studies, Bible Exposition or

Theological Studies. The Doctor of Ministry would be Expository
Preaching and the Master of Divinity would leave the subject line out
entirely.

11.1.4 Author’s Name

The author of the work is listed FOUR 1.5 line spaces after the submission
notice in the following manner:

BY
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GILBERT KEITH CHESTERTON

 The use of the full name is normal protocol in scholarly work but is
not required; a middle name with an initial only may be substituted.

11.1.5 Location and Date

The location and date are listed FOUR 1.5 line spaces after the name in the
following manner:

SUN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

APRIL 2013
• Regarding the date, this is the month and year in which the work is
actually submitted in its final form. This may or may not correspond to
any particular commencement.

11.2 Other “Front Matter” Issues

The candidate shall follow the listing for front matter (title page, table of
contents, etc.) as noted in Turabian, Appendix A, 373ff. The addition to
Turabian is that a signature page for the candidate’s readers shall be
included immediately after the title page. The “front matter” will normally
include:

 Title Page
 Signature or Acceptance Page (note: M.Div. theses will normally have
only have single signature, except for the rare instances of a second
reader being assigned. Th.M. theses will normally have two; the advisor
and second reader. D. Min. Projects will have two signatures, the advisor
and program director. The Th.D. dissertation will have three signatures,
the advisor, second reader, and outside reader)
 Blank Page
 Abstract (note, this is the first page in the front matter which receives
a written page number; all of the preceding pages count but the
printing numbering begins on this page. Small Roman numerals,
centered, bottom of page.
 Table of Contents (note: unless directed otherwise by an advisor, the
Table of Contents shall conform to the sample in the appendix, that is,
the Chapter Title and First Line Sub-Headings, listing of second line sub-
headings or beyond is not required).
 List of Figures, Tables, or Illustrations (if needed)
 List of Abbreviations (a listing of abbreviations is required in D.Min.
Projects and Th.D. Dissertations)
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 Glossary (a glossary is required when obscure words or terminology

are featured in a thesis or if the author coins new words or phrases)
 Preface (optional)
 Acknowledgments (optional)

11.3 Beginning a New Chapter

When a paper requires more than one chapter, the first page of a new
chapter is formatted differently than other pages:

The heading: CHAPTER ONE will appear and two inches (8 single space
lines) from the top of the page (note: this is a seminary requirement that
differs slightly from Turabian). The chapter Title then appears two lines
below the notation, centered in all capital letters. For example:

CHAPTER ONE

THE CONCEPT OF PARADOX IN SAINT JEROME

The page number on the first page of a new chapter is “centered bottom”
while on all other pages of the body of a work the page number appears in
the upper right corner.

11.4 Headings and Subheading

Within a longer paper, thesis, etc., after the chapter heading, there normally
will be subheadings. The subheadings shall be formatted as follows:

This is the First Subheading

(bold, centered headline caps)

This is the Second Subheading

(regular type, centered, headline caps)

This is the Third Subheading (italics, flush left, headline caps)

This is the fourth subheading (regular type, underlined, flush left, normal sentence
caps)

Between the text and the listing of a sub-heading, there is to be one extra full
space and then the regular double-spacing between the sub-heading and the
beginning of the subsequent text.
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APPENDIX ONE

ABBREVIATIONS FOR BOOKS OF THE BIBLE AND APOCRYPHA

Hebrew Old Testament

Genesis Gen Ecclesiastes Eccl

Exodus Exod Song of Solomon Song
Leviticus Lev Isaiah Isa
Numbers Num Jeremiah Jer
Deuteronomy Deut Lamentations Lam
Joshua Josh Ezekiel Ezek
Judges Judg Daniel Dan
Ruth Ruth Hosea Hos
1–2 Samuel 1–2 Sam Joel Joel
1–2 Kings 1–2 Kgs Amos Amos
1–2 Chronicles 1–2 Chr Obadiah Obad
Ezra Ezra Jonah Jonah
Nehemiah Neh Micah Mic
Esther Esth Nahum Nah
Job Job Habakkuk Hab
Psalms Ps/Pss Zephaniah Zeph
Proverbs Prov Haggai Hag
Zechariah Zech
Malachi Mal

New Testament

Matthew Matt 1–2 Thessalonians 1–2 Thess

Mark Mark 1–2 Timothy 1–2 Tim
Luke Luke Titus Titus
John John Philemon Phlm
Acts Acts Hebrews Heb
Romans Rom James Jas
1–2 Corinthians 1–2 Cor 1–2 Peter 1–2 Pet
Galatians Gal 1–2–3 John 1–2–3 John
Ephesians Eph Jude Jude
Philippians Phil Revelation Rev
Colossians Col

Apocrypha and Septuagint

Baruch Bar Judith Jdt

Additions to Daniel Add Dan 1–2 Maccabees 1–2 Macc
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Prayer of Azariah Pr Azar 3–4 Maccabees 3–4 Macc

Bel and the Dragon Bel Prayer of Manasseh Pr Man
Song of the Three Sg Three Psalm 151 Ps 151
Susanna Sus Sirach/Ecclesiasticus Sir
1–2 Esdras 1–2 Esdras Tobit Tob
Additions to Esther Add Esth Wisdom of Solomon Wis
Epistle of Jeremiah Ep Jer
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APPENDIX TWO

SAMPLES OF FRONT MATTER AND CHAPTER BEGINNINGS

The following pages will give the student an example of the proper formatting of all
front matter for a thesis/dissertation as well as a beginning sample of a new chapter.
These samples are random and not meant to be connected. The front matter pages are
listed in the order in which they are required to appear in a thesis or dissertation.

Although not shown in this appendix, the student should remember that a blank page
should be placed between the Adviser’s Signature Page and the Abstract.

For lesser-utilized front matter features, such as listing of abbreviations, tables, and
figures, or glossary, see Turabian, Appendix p. 373ff.
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THE MASTER’S SEMINARY

A STUDY IN PARADOX:
PARADOXICAL CONNECTIONS IN THE THEOLOGICAL CONSTRUCT OF JEROME’S
USEAGE OF THE PAULINE EPISTLES IN
SUMMA CONTRA GENTILES

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF
MASTER OF THEOLOGY
IN THE DIVISION OF THEOLOLGICAL STUDIES

BY GILBERT KEITH CHESTERON

SUN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

MAY 2013
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Accepted by the Faculty of The Master’s Seminary

in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree
Master of Theology in Theological Studies

________________________________
Adviser

________________________________
Adviser
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ABSTRACT

Title: THE STYLE OF JAMES

Author: Paul Wesley Felix, Sr.
Degree: Doctor of Theology
Date: May 2010
Advisers: Robert L. Thomas, Kelly T. Osborne, Craig L. Blomberg

The literary style of a canonical writer for the most part has been neglected or
underrepresented in Biblical Studies. It is rare to locate full-length works devoted to an
analysis of the writing style of a New Testament author. This lack of resources has
consequences for determining the actual words written by a biblical writer and for
comprehending what he meant by the words he selected to communicate to his intended
audience. The exegetical process can be hindered by possessing only a limited understanding
of the literary patterns and writing skills of an author of the New Testament.
This dissertation demonstrates the value of a writer’s literary style to Biblical Studies
by focusing on what the author of the Epistle of James penned. There was surely a need for
this in light of the inadequacies of periodical articles, commentaries, and special studies. The
style of James has not been ignored completely as indicated by the historical survey of
grammatical and exegetical resources. Yet, greater attention needed to be given to the
literary characteristics of the half-brother of the Lord as he wrote in the middle forties to
Jewish Christians scattered outside of Jerusalem.
A detailed analysis of the style of James was done in the areas of vocabulary,
grammar and syntax, literary devices, and literary influences. The vocabulary was
scrutinized from the perspectives of hapax legomena, non-hapax legomena, Semitisms,
Hebraisms, Aramaisms, Latinisms, Christian vocabulary, vulgarisms and colloquialisms.
The examination of grammatical and syntactical features of the sentences in James went
beyond the broad categories of the noun and the verb to an investigation of related matters
such as the cases, prepositions, mood, adverbs, conjunctions, etc. It was acknowledged that
James used certain literary devices such as rhythm, antithetical contrasts, and figures of
speech. It was discovered that the greatest literary influences upon James were the Old
Testament and the sayings of Jesus. The literary affinity of James to First Peter was also
highlighted.
The resolution of twenty-three textual problems affirmed that a detailed knowledge
of a writer’s literary style provides great assistance in determining the correct reading of a
text that has more than one variant. The same can be stated regarding the benefit of James’
style for solving various exegetical problems. Although there are numerous interpretive
issues in James, fifteen problems were selected in which an understanding of the writing
style of James helped to unlock the meaning of the words that he wrote.
A comprehensive analysis of the literary style of James bore fruit in ascertaining the
exact words he wrote and also in determining the meaning of the words he penned. A
thorough knowledge of the writing style of a biblical author paid rich dividends for the
disciplines of Textual Criticism and Exegesis.
iv
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CONTENTS

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS.......................................................................................................................... vi

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Introduction and Scope .............................................................................................................. 1
A Brief History of Divine Impassibility ............................................................................... 5
Recent Approaches to the Issue ............................................................................................. 38

CHAPTER ONE: THE HERMENEUTICS OF DIVINE PASSIBILITY LANGUAGE

Honoring the Author: Speech-Act Theory’s Contribution .......................................... 76
The Nature and Use of Religious Metaphor ...................................................................... 87
Distinguishing Anthropomorphism and Anthropopathism ..................................... 102
Synthesis: Hermeneutical Lessons Learned ................................................................... 116

CHAPTER TWO: BIBLICAL PORTRAYAL OF SELECTED DIVINE EMOTIONS

Divine Love .................................................................................................................................... 118
Divine Delight and Joy .............................................................................................................. 132
Divine Anger ................................................................................................................................. 150
Divine Sorrow .............................................................................................................................. 164
Synthesis and Conclusions ...................................................................................................... 172

CHAPTER THREE: A THEOLOGICAL FORMULATION

A Personal God in Personal Relationship ......................................................................... 175
Christ as the Full Revelation of God .................................................................................... 177
Reaffirming Divine Transcendence .................................................................................... 202
Summary: Sovereign God Who Enters In ......................................................................... 217

CHAPTER FOUR: IMPASSIBILITY AND THEOLOGICAL MOVEMENTS

Engaging the Classical View ................................................................................................... 221
Engaging Evangelical Passibilism ........................................................................................ 237

CONCLUSION
History Recounted ...................................................................................................................... 252
Positive Case Built ...................................................................................................................... 253
Objections Answered ................................................................................................................ 254
Applications Drawn ................................................................................................................... 255

BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................................................... 257

viii
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CHAPTER TWO

ESCHATOLOGICAL AND MILLENNIAL DEFINITIONS

Certainly one of the most pointed differences between the various

millennial schools is the nature and fulfillment of the “land promises” made to

Israel in the Old Testament. Typically those discussions are related to the

“larger” issues of the overall scope of the land as it relates to the Abrahamic

Covenant 1 and the overall national boundaries 2. In addition to these “macro-

prophecies,” there are also several individual “micro-prophecies” dealing with

specific areas and considerations within the larger geographical context of the

land.

Although, as Wilken states, “in the original promise of the land, Jerusalem

played no part.” 3 Subsequent prophecies (most notably Jer 30-33; Ezek 35–48;

Zech 10–14) detail specific predictions related to Jerusalem and the Temple

1 For a thorough discussion of the Abrahamic Covenant see Keith Essex “The Abrahamic
Covenant,” MSJ 10, No. 2 (Fall 1999), 191–212. For a discussion of the larger “land” issues and
the Biblical covenants see Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., “The Land of Israel and the Future Return
(Zechariah 10:6–12)” in Israel, the Land and the People. ed. H. Wayne House (Grand Rapids:
Kregel Publications), 209–27; Ralph H. Alexander, “A New Covenant–An Eternal People
(Jeremiah 31)”, in Israel the Land and the People. ed. H. Wayne House (Grand Rapids: Kregel
Publications), 169–206; and John R. Master, “The New Covenant,” in Issues in Dispensationalism,
ed. Wesley R. Willis and John R. Master (Chicago: Moody Press, 1997), 931–12.
2 For an excellent overview of the boundaries of the land as detailed in the Abrahamic Covenant

and subsequent passages (e.g. Exod 23:31; Num 34:1–12) see Barry Beitzel, The Moody Atlas of
Bible Lands, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1985), 5–13. See also Walter C. Kaiser, “The Promised Land:
A Biblical-Historical View.” BSac 138, No. 552 (October–December 1982): 302–12.
3 Robert L. Wilken, The Land Called Holy: Palestine in Christian History and Thought. New Haven,

CN: Yale University Press, 1992), 9.

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located therein. Though some of the micro-prophecies, mainly those about the

Temple, have received considerable discussion, a prophecy in Jeremiah 31:38–

40 which deals with the