2026 Lecturer: John Barclay
Speaker Information
John M.G. Barclay is a New Testament scholar who has taught at Glasgow University and at Durham University, where he served as Lightfoot Professor of Divinity from 2003-2024. His research and publications cover the social history of Early Christianity, the ancient Jewish Diaspora, the Jewish historian Josephus, and (in particular) the theology of Paul. His latest books include Paul and the Gift (2015) and Paul and the Power of Grace (2020).
Schedule
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
11 a.m.-12 p.m., Hodges Chapel
Chapel Sermon: "Living in Gratitude," 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
11 a.m.-12 p.m., N-101
Lecture 1: "Living in the Gift: What's the Difference Between Grace and Humanism?" 2 Corinthians 8-9
Thursday, March 19, 2026
11 a.m.-12 p.m., N-101
Lecture 2: "Living in the Gift: What's the Difference Between Love and Altruism?" Philippians
All events are free and open to the public.
About the Biblical Studies Lectures
Each Spring, Beeson Divinity School hosts the Biblical Studies Lectures, one of three annual lectureships, to enrich the spiritual life of our community and enhance the educational experience of our students. Guest speakers committed to the proclamation of the Holy Scripture are chosen because they pursue their study of the Bible with the utmost academic rigor and integrity. Their scholarship serves as an example of the faithful and diligent attention to the study of Scripture that we hope to instill in our students. We believe a strong foundation in basic theological disciplines is essential and is reflected in the curriculum. Nearly one-third of the requirements for the Master of Divinity program is devoted to the study of the Bible and the language in which it is written.
Each year, guest lecturers for the series alternate between Old and New Testament scholars. Past lecturers include Darrell Bock, Robert Yarbrough, Ben Witherington III, Craig Keener, Robert P. Gordon, N. T. Wright, Gordon Fee, Walter Kaiser, D. A. Carson, Christopher Wright and Richard Bauckham. Recordings of past lectures are available in the Beeson Media Center.
Services are open to the public free of charge.
