Paul, Papyri, and Prayer: A Conversation with Dr Gillian Asquith

About this episode

Dr Gillian Asquith discusses the intersection of archaeology and biblical language in relation to Paul's letters.

🎙️ S3E13— Paul, Papyri, and Prayer: A Conversation with Dr Gillian Asquith Episode Description In this episode of the Ridley College Podcast, Dr Gillian Asquith, Academic Dean at Melbourne School of Theology , joins Revd Dr Mike Bird, Deputy Principal, to explore the fascinating intersection of archaeology, ancient letters, and biblical language. Drawing from her recent Leon Morris Lecture and upcoming book Paul’s Letter Openings: An Analysis of High Register Language (Cambridge University Press), Gillian reveals how everyday papyri from Oxyrhynchus shed light on Paul’s pastoral heart and linguistic creativity. From solemn oaths to surprising word choices, this episode uncovers how Paul’s greetings were anything but routine—and why biblical languages still matter today. Dr Gillian Asquith Gillian Asquith grew up in England and studied Oriental Studies at the University of Oxford. She taught in schools in England and Australia before moving into theological studies. She has tutored at Ridley College, taught at the Presbyterian Theological College and lectured in Early Christianity at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). Gillian is now Academic Dean at Melbourne School of…

People in this episode

Host: Revd Dr Mike Bird

Guest: Dr Gillian Asquith

Topics covered

• archaeology
• biblical language
• Paul's letters
• linguistic creativity
• theology

Keywords

• Paul
• papyri
• prayer
• linguistic creativity
• biblical languages
• archaeology
• theology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Melbourne School of Theology, Cambridge University Press, Ridley College, Australian Catholic University

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