Matthew J. Thomas

Matthew J. Thomas serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies and Department Chair of Theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology (DSPT), a member institution of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley, California. He has taught at the GTU since 2019, bringing foundational experience from his earlier work with youth at Harbor House Ministries in Oakland.

His academic credentials include:

• D.Phil in Theology (New Testament & Patristics), University of Oxford, 2016
• MCS in Biblical Languages, Regent College, 2012

Dr. Thomas specializes in Pauline theology and patristics with particular focus on ante-Nicene Christian interpretation of Scripture. His interdisciplinary research bridges New Testament studies and early church history to examine how second-century Christians interpreted Paul's teachings on justification, works of the law, and scriptural authority within their historical context. This approach reveals nuanced theological developments preceding Augustinian frameworks.

His publications demonstrate consistent exploration of early Christian exegesis across three key trajectories: reception history of Pauline texts (particularly Works of the Law), patristic interpretation of justification, and deuterocanonical biblical scholarship as evidenced in his forthcoming Maccabees commentaries. These works collectively illuminate the evolution of theological concepts from apostolic teaching through ante-Nicene Christianity.

Dr. Thomas teaches core curriculum courses including Pentateuch & Histories, Gospels, Pauline literature, Josephus seminar, and Christianity from Christ to Constantine. His pedagogical approach integrates scholarly rigor with practical ministry experience, frequently incorporating family interactions that humanize theological concepts for students.