Athanasios Despotis

Apl. Prof. Dr. Athanasios Despotis is an Associate Professor of New Testament at the University of Bonn's Protestant Theological Faculty since 2018. Born in Athens (1979), he holds doctorates from the Universities of Athens (2006) and a habilitation in Bonn (2012). His research focuses on intersections between New Testament texts and ancient Greek philosophy, particularly the Gospel of John's engagement with Hellenistic thought.

Key projects include a DFG-funded study on John and ancient Greek philosophy (2020–present), and prior projects on Pauline exegesis and early Christian conversion narratives. He leads the SBL seminar on Eastern Orthodox biblical interpretation and co-leads the SNTS seminar on Greek philosophical exegesis.

Research interests span Johannine theology, Pauline studies, patristic exegesis, and the cultural hybridity of early Christian thought. Recent publications include monographs on John and Greek philosophy (2025), conversion in Paul/John (2024), and edited volumes on Chrysostom's exegesis (2024) and Greek philosophical traditions (2022).

Academic awards include the IKY Siegerpreis (2004), DAAD fellowships, and the UNESCO award for ecumenical work. He actively participates in interfaith dialogues and leads Byzantine music choirs in Bonn.