Dr Jamie Davies, BA, MLitt, PhD

Director of Postgraduate Research

Tutor in New Testament

A bit about me

I was raised in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, and studied modern languages as an undergraduate at Nottingham University before spending two years in West Africa with Wycliffe Bible Translators. I returned to the UK to continue my training for long-term mission (with an MA in Linguistics at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London). An odd set of circumstances led, however, to a brief spell working in paediatric speech and language therapy in Glasgow. Intending to return to Bible translation, I began theological studies at International Christian College (for a BA in Theology), before two things happened which completely changed my direction. One, I met Becky (whom I quickly convinced to marry me) and two, I became convinced that the missional thinking normally applied to cross-cultural missions was urgently needed in the UK church. So, after graduating, I spent four years as a pastor in a church in north Glasgow.

During that time, I continued to develop my interest in theology and biblical studies, gaining an MLitt in Bible and Contemporary World from the University of St Andrews by part-time distance learning. I then moved to St Andrews to study full time for a PhD in New Testament under the supervision of Grant Macaskill. During this time I also worked as the warden of a university residence and as research assistant to Professor N.T. Wright.

A brief spell as Teaching Fellow in Biblical Studies at the University of Edinburgh followed before I arrived at Trinity College in September 2015.

In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with my wife, Becky, and our two kids, running on the beautiful Clifton Downs, and tinkering with our 1977 VW campervan.

My research interests

My doctoral research was focused on apocalyptic thought in second-temple Jewish literature and the New Testament (particularly the Pauline epistles and the book of Revelation). I remain fascinated by that subject, while also developing an interest in other aspects of New Testament study, particularly the gospel of Mark, intertextuality, and the use of the Old Testament in the New.

I welcome enquiries from potential research students on these and other aspects of the study of the New Testament and its world.

How to get in touch with me

Email me on jamie.davies@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk.

Some highlights of my work