Jill Firth on “What makes a good Biblical Scholar or Theologian?”

A good biblical theologian pays attention to what God actually says, like the prophetess Huldah (and unlike Eve).

A good biblical theologian discerns patterns in God’s work in the world, and gives God praise, like Miriam, Deborah, and Hannah.

A good biblical theologian carries the good news about Jesus to others, like Mary Magdalene and the Samaritan woman in John 4.

A good biblical theologian teaches the way of God more accurately, like Priscilla.

A good biblical theologian avoids leading others into immorality (unlike ‘Jezebel’ of Thyatira).

A good biblical theologian works in a team, like Junia, Tryphaena, Tryphosa and the beloved Persis.

A good biblical theologian combines skill in Hebrew and Greek with a deep desire for God, like Paula of Rome.

A good biblical theologian enters into informed dialogue with the thought world of their time, like Macrina the Younger.

A good biblical theologian brings rich insight by integrating scriptural reflection with devotion, like Julian of Norwich.

A good biblical theologian promotes engagement with the Scriptures in accessible language, like Marguerite Porete, Marguerite de Navarre, and Katharina Schütz Zell.

A good biblical theologian engages in clear thinking and writing, like Susanna Wesley.

A good biblical theologian looks for Kingdom culture change, like Hannah More and Sojourner Truth.

A good biblical theologian brings Biblical background to life, like Dorothy L. Sayers.

A good biblical theologian displays Christlike character and actions, like Australian indigenous leader Angelina Noble.

A good biblical theologian is like Mary of Nazareth, who treasures all God’s words and ponders them in their heart.

(With thanks for collaboration to Moyra Dale, Elizabeth Culhane, Laura Paul.)


Jill Firth is a lecturer in Hebrew and Old Testament at Ridley College, Melbourne. She holds a PhD in Old Testament and an MA in spiritual direction. Jill is an Anglican priest and has been a Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral. She is an organizer of Ridley’s annual women’s conference, Evangelical Women in Academia. She is currently writing on Jeremiah and Psalms.

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Tavis Bohlinger

Dr. Tavis Bohlinger is Editor-in-Chief of the Logos Academic Blog and Creative Director at Reformation Heritage Books. He holds a PhD from Durham University and writes across multiple genres, including academia, poetry, and screenwriting. He lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and three children.

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Written by Tavis Bohlinger
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