Matthew V. Novenson is a Professor of Biblical Criticism and Biblical Antiquities at the University of Edinburgh, where he also serves as Director of the Centre for the Study of Christian Origins. He holds honorary fellow status and has held visiting roles at Dartmouth College, Duke University, and Durham University. Novenson specializes in ancient Mediterranean religions, focusing on early Judaism and Christianity within Greco-Roman contexts. His research emphasizes Pauline epistles, early Christology, and the socio-political dimensions of messianic discourse. Qualifications include a BA, MDiv, ThM, and PhD. Teaching responsibilities span undergraduate courses on biblical languages, Second Temple Judaism, and New Testament themes, as well as postgraduate seminars on biblical exegesis and ancient religious texts. He actively supervises PhD students exploring topics like messianism in Pauline letters, ancient Christology, and eschatological frameworks. Novenson’s scholarship is reflected in major publications such as Christ among the Messiahs (2012), The Grammar of Messianism (2017), and Paul, Then and Now (2022), alongside edited volumes like The Oxford Handbook of Pauline Studies . His work interrogates the linguistic and ideological nuances of religious terminology in antiquity, particularly around concepts of messiahship, monotheism, and divine agency. Service roles include Associate Editor of New Testament Studies and co-editor of Edinburgh Studies in Religion in Antiquity . Past and current PhD advisees (listed above) reflect his commitment to mentoring rigorous research in early Christian origins and biblical interpretation.
Daniel A. Smith, PhD, serves as Dean of Theology and Clark and Mary Wright Professor of New Testament Theology at Huron University College, where he has taught New Testament Language and Literature since 2004. An active member of the Society for New Testament Studies, Society of Biblical Literature, and Canadian Society for Biblical Studies, he frequently collaborates with KU Leuven's Leuven Centre for the Study of the Gospels. His research centers on contextual interpretation of New Testament texts, with specialized focus on Synoptic Gospels, Sayings Gospel Q, Passion/Resurrection Narratives, and Marcion's Gospel. He integrates historical-critical analysis with reception history, emphasizing how biblical interpretation impacts both faith communities and marginalized groups affected by scriptural misuse. Recent publications reveal sustained engagement with source criticism, particularly through 2020-2018 works on the Two-Document Hypothesis, Marcion's Gospel, and spatial analysis of Synoptic mission narratives. His scholarship consistently explores textual transmission, Q source traditions, and theological implications of early Christian writings while bridging academic rigor with ethical considerations in biblical hermeneutics.
Clinton E. Arnold is a Research Professor of New Testament and former Dean of Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He specializes in New Testament studies, particularly the letters of Paul and the Acts of the Apostles, with a focus on historical and cultural contexts. Arnold is renowned for editing the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary and authoring works like Powers of Darkness and The Colossian Syncretism . He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen and has published extensively in journals such as New Testament Studies and Journal for the Study of the New Testament . Education: Ph.D., University of Aberdeen; M.Div., Talbot Theological Seminary; B.A., Biola University. His research interests include early Christian practices, spiritual warfare, and biblical exegesis. He served as President of the Evangelical Theological Society (2011) and contributes to translation oversight for the ESV. Arnold’s work bridges academic rigor and pastoral application, emphasizing the relevance of biblical scholarship for contemporary faith communities. He has led Talbot’s extension programs in Kyiv and New York and advocates for the inerrancy of Scripture. His writings often address theological challenges in modern contexts, such as mental health, biblical authority, and missional theology. Awards include leadership roles in major theological societies and recognition for editorial contributions to biblical resources. His legacy includes shaping evangelical scholarship through commentaries, teaching, and mentoring future theologians.
Delbert Burkett is the Jaak Seynaeve Professor of Biblical Studies and Professor of Religious Studies at Louisiana State University. He specializes in New Testament studies, particularly the history, religion, and literature of earliest Christianity. His research focuses on the Synoptic Problem and early Christian textual traditions. Before joining LSU in 1996, he taught at Western Kentucky University, Appalachian State University, and Lebanon Valley College. He served as Section Head of Religious Studies (2004-2007) and Department Chair (2010-2016). Education: B.A. in Koine and Classical Greek, Abilene Christian College (1971) M.T.S., Harvard Divinity School (1973) Ph.D. in New Testament and Christian Origins, Duke University (1989) Research Interests: Burkett's work examines the literary relationships between the Synoptic Gospels, the 'Son of Man' title in the New Testament, and early Christian origins. His publications include Rethinking the Gospel Sources (multi-volume series) and The Case for Proto-Mark . Publications Trends: His recent articles address topics like Markan narrative analysis, Jewish ritual practices, and Luke-Acts theological unity. Earlier work engaged with Johannine resurrection narratives and Coptic liturgical texts. Awards: 2009-2010 ATLAS Grant 2007 Tiger Athletic Foundation Teaching Award Repeated recognition for undergraduate instruction (Alpha Lambda Delta, 1999/2003) LSU Council on Research Summer Stipends (1997, 2000) 1992 Southern Regional Education Board Travel Grant Teaching & Grants: Teaches courses such as 'A History of God' and 'Apocalyptic Literature.' His grants supported research on gospel sources and early Christian texts. No formal lab affiliations are noted, though he collaborates on initiatives like the 'AI & Religion Collaborative.'
Paul Anderson serves as Professor of Biblical and Quaker Studies at George Fox University's School of Theology, where he has taught since January 1989. His academic journey includes a PhD from Glasgow University, MDiv from Earlham School of Religion, graduate studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Portland State University, and a BA from Malone University. Anderson maintains significant international academic connections as extraordinary professor of religion at North-West University of Potchefstroom (South Africa) and adjunct professor at Barclay College and Portland Seminary. Anderson's research centers on the Gospel of John, Jesus studies, and Quaker theology. He pioneered cognitive-critical analysis of Johannine traditions to address Christological tensions, developing his "Bi-Optic Hypothesis" for understanding John's composition. His influential book The Fourth Gospel and the Quest for Jesus argues for John's significance in historical Jesus research, while From Crisis to Christ provides a contextual New Testament introduction bridging ancient and contemporary contexts. His work on Quaker spirituality, including Following Jesus , explores practical Christian discipleship within the Friends tradition. As a prolific scholar with over 400 published essays, Anderson has shaped Johannine studies through his founding role in the John, Jesus, and History Project (SBL 2002-2016) and co-editing of four major volumes in its series. His recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate continued scholarly vitality, focusing on Johannine theology, historical Jesus research, and Quaker thought. These works reveal his consistent engagement with dialectical tensions in John, universalism/exclusivism debates, and the application of biblical insights to contemporary spirituality. Founding member of the John, Jesus, and History Project (SBL 2002-2016) Editor of Biblical Interpretation series (E.J. Brill) Editor of Johannine Monograph Series Editor of Quakers and the Disciplines series (FAHE) Former editor of Evangelical Friend (1990-1994) and Quaker Religious Thought (2000-2011) Anderson's academic leadership extends through visiting professorships at Yale Divinity School (where he taught 1998-1999) and Princeton Theological Seminary, along with international appointments as DAAD professor at the University of Mainz and Fulbright Specialist at Radboud University of Nijmegen. His work bridges scholarly rigor and practical spirituality, particularly in Quaker contexts, while maintaining active engagement with contemporary theological debates through his extensive publication record and editorial work.
Prof. Dr. Koert van Bekkum serves as Professor and Department Chair of Old Testament at the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit Leuven (ETF Leuven), where he also holds the position of Academic Vice Dean for Research since 2022. Previously, he was an Associate Professor of Old Testament at ETF Leuven (2018-2020) and continues to hold an Associate Professor position at Theological University Kampen since 2018. His academic career spans biblical scholarship, theological education, and research leadership in the field of Old Testament studies within the Reformed tradition. His educational background includes: PhD from Theological University Kampen (2010) with highest honors, dissertation: 'From Conquest to Coexistence: Ideology and Antiquarian Intent in the Historiography of Israel's Settlement in Canaan' Basiskwalificatie Onderwijs, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2014) Visiting PhD Candidate, Archaeological Institute, Hebrew University Jerusalem (2000) Member Megiddo Expedition (1998, 2000) Drs. theol., Theological University Kampen (1997) VWO-diploma (gymnasium), Gomarus College, Groningen (1989) Van Bekkum's research interests span multiple dimensions of Old Testament scholarship, with particular emphasis on biblical historiography, archaeology of the Southern Levant, and the intersection of biblical studies with Reformed theology. His work demonstrates deep engagement with ancient Near Eastern contexts, biblical chronology, and the theological interpretation of scripture. He has made significant contributions to understanding biblical covenants, ancient Israelite history, and the relationship between biblical texts and archaeological evidence. His scholarship often bridges traditional Reformed theological perspectives with contemporary academic approaches to biblical studies, creating a distinctive voice in the field that values both confessional commitments and scholarly rigor. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on the intersection of biblical texts with historical and archaeological contexts, particularly regarding the chronology of ancient Israel and the Southern Levant. Van Bekkum frequently examines how biblical narratives interact with ancient Near Eastern contexts, as seen in his work on Joshua, Deuteronomy, and biblical covenants. His scholarship shows a growing interest in reception history and how biblical texts have been interpreted across different eras, including contemporary contexts of religious pluralism. Notably, he has engaged with controversial topics like the Shapira forgeries and biblical chronology, demonstrating willingness to tackle complex scholarly debates while maintaining theological integrity. Van Bekkum is actively involved in academic service, serving on the Executive Board of the Netherlands School for Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion (2017-), as a member of the American Schools of Oriental Research (2019-), and previously as Secretary of the Oudtestamentisch Werkgezelschap in Nederland en België (2017-2022). His leadership extends to editorial roles, including previous service on the Editorial Board of Verantwoordingsreeks (2014-2017) and the Board of the Society for Christian Philosophy (2013-2017). His academic work is characterized by a commitment to integrating biblical scholarship with Reformed theological tradition while engaging constructively with contemporary scholarly debates. Van Bekkum's research demonstrates how historical-critical methods can coexist with confessional theological commitments, offering a model for evangelical scholarship that is both academically rigorous and theologically faithful.
Joseph Pak is Professor of Biblical Studies at Taylor University in the Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies & Philosophy Department . A New Testament scholar with a PhD from Dallas Theological Seminary, he invests his life in training the next generation of Christian leaders. Education PhD, New Testament Studies – Dallas Theological Seminary STM, New Testament Studies – Dallas Theological Seminary MDiv, School of Divinity – Liberty University BS, Electrical Engineering – Virginia Tech Research Interests Pak’s research centers on the New Testament , particularly the epistles of James and 2 Peter , exploring themes of self-deception in theology , wealth and poverty in early Christianity , Scriptural inspiration , and false believers . He also examines the intersection of contemporary philosophical discussions with biblical hermeneutics and theological ethics. Publications & Translations He has authored the monograph False Believers in the New Testament and the volume What the Bible Says about the Dangers of Self-Deception: An Exegetical Approach . Additionally, Pak translated six influential Christian works from English into Korean, including Daniel Fuller’s The Unity of the Bible and Everett Ferguson’s The Background of Early Christianity , thereby bridging Korean and Western evangelical scholarship. Professional Service & Outreach Regular presenter at the Evangelical Theological Society national conferences Contributed 10 New Testament introductions to The Abide Bible (Thomas Nelson, 2020) Has taught courses at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary , Liberty University , Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary , and Taylor University Joseph Pak’s overarching passion is to know, love, and serve Jesus while equipping students to lead with biblical integrity.
Nils Arne Pedersen is an Associate Professor in Church History at Aarhus University's Faculty of Theology/Arts since 2004. His academic career includes roles as a Full-time scholar supported by the Carlsberg Foundation (1990–1995) and Danish Research Council grants. He specializes in Manichaeism, Patristics, and the historical reception of biblical texts. His research focuses on early Christian and Manichaean theological texts, especially Coptic and Syriac manuscripts. Research Interests : Pedersen’s work explores Manichaean literature, Patristic theology, and the interplay between biblical sources and early religious movements. He has edited critical editions of Manichaean texts and studies their transmission across languages like Syriac, Coptic, and Persian. Key Projects : Biblia Manichaica (Old and New Testament studies in Manichaean contexts), textual editions of Manichaean homilies, and analyses of anti-Manichaean polemics. Awards & Leadership : Honorary member of the International Association of Manichaean Studies (2022), former President (2017–2022). He has received significant grants, including €887k for the Biblia Manichaica project (2012–2015) and €233k from the Carlsberg Foundation (1990–1995). Grants & Funding : Danish Council for Independent Research, Danish Research Council for the Humanities, and Carlsberg Foundation grants have supported his work on Manichaean textual traditions and comparative religious studies.
Steven L. McKenzie is Professor of Religious Studies and Spence L. Wilson Senior Research Fellow at Rhodes College, specializing in Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) studies, biblical archaeology, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. His academic career spans decades of influential scholarship and editorial leadership. His educational background includes: Th.D. from Harvard University B.A. and M.Div. from Abilene Christian University McKenzie's research focuses on the history of ancient Israel, Hebrew Bible literature, Hebrew language and grammar, biblical interpretation methods, and the intersection of archaeology with biblical studies. He pioneered work on the Deuteronomistic History and Chronicler's literature, establishing foundational frameworks still referenced today. His interdisciplinary approach bridges textual analysis with historical context, making complex scholarship accessible to broader audiences. His publication trajectory reveals consistent engagement with biblical historiography and interpretation, evolving from technical studies like The Chronicler's Use of the Deuteronomistic History (1985) to accessible works such as How to Read the Bible (2005), and culminating in major reference works including the Oxford Encyclopedia of Biblical Interpretation (2013). Recent projects focus on editorial leadership for the Oxford Bible Commentary series. Key honors include: Spence L. Wilson Senior Research Fellowship McKenzie's academic service demonstrates exceptional commitment: founding the Deuteronomistic History Section at the Society of Biblical Literature, serving as associate editor of Vetus Testamentum (2010-2019), and contributing to editorial boards of Journal of Biblical Literature and Catholic Biblical Quarterly . His decade-long leadership of academic tours through the Middle East and Greece with the Middle East Travel Seminar extended his scholarship into experiential education, while media appearances on Discovery and History channels brought biblical scholarship to public audiences.
J. Ross Wagner is an Associate Professor of New Testament at Duke University's Divinity School since 2013. He holds a Ph.D. from Duke University (1999) and previously taught at Princeton Theological Seminary for 15 years. His research focuses on Pauline epistles, Septuagint studies, and theological exegesis, emphasizing how scriptural interpretation shaped early Jewish-Christian communities. Key works include Reading the Sealed Book (2013) and Heralds of the Good News (2002). Professor Wagner's teaching spans courses like New Testament Interpretation , Old Testament in the New , and Philippians/Philemon . He has co-investigated the Wabash Center grant Fostering a Culture of Teaching (2017–2022). His work bridges biblical scholarship with missional and contextual interpretation, as seen in studies applying Romans to post-hurricane Honduras. His scholarship intersects with Karl Barth Center collaborations and includes engagements with religious education initiatives. Current research continues exploring Paul's use of scripture, intertextuality, and the theological implications of Septuagint translation practices.
David Brakke is the Joe R. Engle Chair in the History of Christianity and Professor of History at The Ohio State University's Department of History, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences. His expertise spans ancient Christianity, with a focus on asceticism, monasticism, Gnosticism, biblical interpretation, and Egyptian Christianity. Brakke earned his B.A. in English from the University of Virginia (1983), M.Div. from Harvard University (1986), and Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Yale University (1992). Before joining OSU in 2012, he was a professor and department chair at Indiana University's Religious Studies Department. His research explores the social and cultural dimensions of early Christian practices, including monasticism’s role in forming virtuous identities and the definition of Gnosticism. Brakke has authored influential books like *The Gnostics* (2010) and *Demons and the Making of the Monk* (2006), recognized with academic accolades such as the Choice Outstanding Academic Title and Guggenheim Fellowship. He currently serves as president of the North American Patristics Society and contributes to scholarly publications like the *Journal of Early Christian Studies*. His current projects include studies on early Christian scriptural practices and translations of Nag Hammadi texts. Brakke’s work integrates textual analysis with historical context, examining how early Christians navigated theological debates, institutional hierarchies, and cultural shifts. He has held grants from the NEH and National Humanities Center, among others. His professional network includes leadership roles in global scholarly organizations, reflecting his impact on Patristics and Coptic Studies. Despite being on leave during the 2023–2024 academic year, his contributions to understanding early Christian history remain foundational.
Dr. J. Thomas Hewitt is a Lecturer in New Testament and Christian Origins at the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh. He holds a BS in Psychology and Music, an MDiv, an MLitt in Scripture & Theology, and a PhD in New Testament & Christian Origins. Responsibilities include editorial board membership for the Journal of Biblical Literature, and peer-review roles for the Journal for the Study of the New Testament and Journal of Theological Studies. He co-chairs the Ancient Judaism and Christianity seminar under the British New Testament Society, and is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature and Enoch Seminar. Research interests focus on New Testament interpretation, early Christian origins, and intersections between Second Temple Judaism and emerging Christian thought. His work bridges textual analysis with historical context, emphasizing formative theological developments. No specific publications are listed here, though his academic activities suggest engagement with biblical scholarship. No scientific awards are noted in the provided data. Teaching and PhD supervision form part of his role, though specific advisees are not detailed. He actively contributes to academic networks via editorial and organizational roles in biblical studies.
Edward Gravely is a Professor of Christian Studies at Columbia Southern University , affiliated with the Whitfield Center for Christian Leadership . He teaches courses in Koine Greek and New Testament , emphasizing original language proficiency for Scriptural engagement. Education: PhD in Biblical Studies (Textual Criticism) from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His research focuses on textual criticism , Pauline epistles , and Byzantine manuscript traditions , with notable presentations at regional Evangelical Theological Society meetings. Publications include analyses of Old Testament citations in Paul’s letters, Vaticanus manuscript features, and study notes for The Worldview Study Bible . He advocates for Koine Greek education as a foreign language requirement, offering tutoring and advanced study programs. Affiliations include the Evangelical Theological Society, and he has been at CSU since 2016. Contact: egravely@csuniv.edu .
Jacobus (Kobus) Kok is Professor and Chair of New Testament Studies at Evangelische Theologische Faculteit (ETF) Leuven, with additional appointments as Professor Extraordinarius at the University of Pretoria. His multifaceted research integrates exegetical analysis with social identity theory, focusing on early Christian community formation. Education Ph.D. Theology: Religious Studies and Missiology, University of Pretoria (2017) Ph.D. Theology: New Testament Studies, University of Pretoria (2008) M.Th. New Testament Studies, University of Pretoria (2004) M.Div., University of Pretoria (2003) B.Th., University of Pretoria (2001) Kok's scholarship explores boundary dynamics in early Christianity, examining how texts like 1 Peter and Johannine literature navigated inclusion/exclusion tensions. Recent works employ social identity complexity theory to analyze community formation amid persecution. He maintains active collaborations across European universities and contributes to international theological dialogues. His extensive publications in venues like Mohr Siebeck and Brill analyze power dynamics, missional ethics, and decolonial interpretations of scripture, particularly focusing on Pauline and Johannine corpora. Kok serves on editorial boards for several theological series and participates in academic societies including SNTS, EABS, and NOSTER, promoting interdisciplinary engagement between biblical studies and social sciences.
Dr. Peter Link is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Charleston Southern University's College of Christian Studies, where he has taught since 2012. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies (Old Testament) from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (2012), a Master of Divinity in Biblical Languages (2005), and a Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas at Austin (1990). Ph.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary M.Div., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary B.S., University of Texas at Austin Dr. Link specializes in Old Testament interpretation, with a focus on the Pentateuch, Biblical Hebrew, and hermeneutics. His research explores thematic connections in Deuteronomy, eschatological frameworks, and typological links between biblical figures. He actively engages in academic service through Leadership in EPIC Bible Study Teacher Training Sessions Presentations at Evangelical Theological Society meetings Recent publications demonstrate his expertise in Deuteronomic theology Paul's Old Testament citations Adam typology in biblical narratives His work combines textual analysis with theological synthesis to emphasize the Christological unity of Scripture. Scientific recognition includes Three nominations for Excellence in Teaching Awards (2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2017-2018) Professionally affiliated with Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) Society of Biblical Literature (SBL)
