Esau McCaulley

Esau McCaulley is the Jonathan Blanchard Associate Professor of New Testament and Public Theology at Wheaton College, where he teaches and researches Pauline exegesis, African American biblical interpretation, and public theology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of St. Andrews, alongside degrees from Nashotah House Theological Seminary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Dr. McCaulley is a prolific author, with notable works including Reading While Black (winner of Christianity Today’s Book of the Year) and the memoir How Far to the Promised Land. He contributes op-eds to the New York Times and hosts a podcast with Holy Post Media.

Educationally, McCaulley earned his Ph.D. in New Testament from the University of St. Andrews (2017), an S.T.M. from Nashotah House (2012), an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell (2005), and a B.A. in History from the University of the South (2002). His research focuses on Pauline theology, African American hermeneutics, and the intersection of scripture with social justice.

His scholarship bridges academic and popular audiences, including children’s books like Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit. Awards include the 2024 Publisher’s Weekly Best Book for How Far to the Promised Land, a family memoir exploring race, faith, and legacy in the American South. McCaulley actively engages in speaking events, presenting at conferences such as the Society of Biblical Literature and the British New Testament Conference.

He is married to pediatrician Mandy, and they have four children. His work often reflects a commitment to theological reflection within Black lived experience, blending personal narrative with rigorous biblical study.