Matthew J. Thomas

Matthew J. Thomas, DPhil, serves as Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology Department Chair at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California. His academic career focuses on bridging New Testament studies with early Christian interpretation, particularly examining Pauline theology through the lens of second-century reception.

His educational background includes:

• DPhil in Theology (New Testament and Patristics) from the University of Oxford (2016)
• Master of Christian Studies from Regent College
• BA from Pepperdine University

Dr. Thomas specializes in Pauline theology, Patristics (particularly Ante-Nicene period), and Early Christian interpretation of Scripture. His research uniquely connects Paul's writings with how early church fathers understood them, challenging contemporary debates about the "New Perspective on Paul." He argues that second-century Christian writers interpreted "works of the law" in ways that align more closely with modern "New Perspective" scholarship than with traditional Reformation views. His methodology draws on the principle articulated by C.S. Lewis that early readers who shared the same culture and historical context with biblical authors can provide valuable interpretive insights that later readers lack.

Thomas's publications reveal a consistent focus on how early Christian writers interpreted Paul, particularly regarding "works of the law." His research demonstrates that second-century Christians understood these terms as referring to Jewish boundary markers like circumcision and food laws, rather than general moral effort. This perspective challenges traditional Reformation interpretations while offering new pathways for ecumenical dialogue. His influential book "Paul's 'Works of the Law' in the Perspective of Second-Century Reception" has been praised by N.T. Wright as a "detailed, patient, historically careful, and theologically explosive study" and by Alister McGrath as "a landmark in historical scholarship."

Before entering academia, Dr. Thomas worked as a coordinator of after-school programs for inner-city youth in East Oakland, an experience that continues to inform his scholarly work and teaching approach. He and his wife Leeanne (whom he met in a Hebrew class at Regent College) have four children who, according to his bio, are "aspiring theologians." His teaching portfolio includes courses on Prophets, Wisdom Literature, Pentateuch and Histories, Christianity from Christ to Constantine, Introduction to Sacred Scripture, The Gospels, Pauline Literature, Acts, Catholic Epistles and Revelation, Josephus Seminar, and Introductory/Intermediate Greek.