🎙️ 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 Theology (MST), lecturing in Greek and New Testament. Gillian developed MST’s archaeology study tour program and is at her happiest when hot and dirty with a trowel in her hand. Gillian’s doctoral thesis won the ACU Vice Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence in Doctoral Training and will be published later this year by Cambridge University Press.

Listen to The Leon Morris Lecture in New Testament Studies 2025: Paul and Papyri

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