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The department welcomes inquiries from potential research students in any aspect of biblical studies, Second Temple Judaism and early Christian history.

The department has two experts working in these areas and their specialist research interests are detailed below. Please do make contact with one of the scholars listed here if you are interested in pursuing a research degree with them. Alternatively, for more general enquiries, please contact trs@chester.ac.uk.

Dr Matthew A. Collins

With broad research interests in Hebrew Bible, Qumran Studies and Second Temple Judaism, Matthew Collins’ research particularly focuses on:

  • The Dead Sea Scrolls and their academic and popular impact
  • Hebrew Bible/Old Testament narratives in their ancient Near Eastern context
  • Social dynamics of the intertestamental period
  • The Bible in popular culture (literature, visual arts, music and film)

Prof Paul Middleton

With broad research interests in the New Testament and other early Christian literature, Paul Middleton’s research particularly focuses on:

  • Martyrdom and religious violence
  • Jewish and Christian Apocalypticism
  • The book of Revelation
  • Social identity in the New Testament