May we study before the always creating Father, the always being slain, yet rising Son, and the always empowering Spirit.
Let's Journey Together
Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.
As a retired university professor, dean, and Episcopal priest, my lifelong work has centered on helping people explore Scripture with fresh eyes and open hearts. Too often, English translations hide the richness, nuance, and beauty of the biblical languages—and with them, the depth of the faith they proclaim.
This site exists to open those doors.
Through thoughtful study, accessible teaching, and a deep respect for the families of Abraham—synagogue, church, and mosque—I seek to illuminate the world behind the text and the world within it. My hope is to foster understanding that honors our shared heritage, engages our differences with humility, and draws us nearer to the God and Father of Jesus.
Whether you’re here for deeper study, theological guidance, or a renewed sense of connection, may this be a place where insight leads to clarity, clarity leads to peace, and peace leads to koinonia (connection and sharing.)
Bible Study
Join us for Bible Study on Zoom
Beginning Wednesday, January 21st, we will gather on Zoom at 6:30 PM EDT for a study of the Gospel of Mark.
Most modern scholars agree that Mark is the earliest of the four New Testament Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Written roughly thirty years before the Gospel of John, Mark offers the earliest surviving Gospel account of Jesus’ life and ministry, making it a powerful place to begin our study together.
A book is not required to participate. However, for those who would like an additional resource, a suggested reference text is available for purchase on Amazon. You may find it by clicking the button below.
To join us, simply scroll down and click the link below to send us an email. Once we receive your message, we’ll add you to the list and send you the Zoom link.
We look forward to studying and learning together.
Welcome to Jim Christoph
About Me
I am a retired university professor, ordained priest, and lifelong student of Scripture, committed to helping people read the Bible with depth, care, and understanding.
For 28 years, I served as a full-time professor of Biblical Studies and Greek at Warner University, where I taught generations of students to engage Scripture thoughtfully—paying close attention to language, history, culture, and theology. I also served for four years as an adjunct professor at Anderson University School of Theology, continuing my work in biblical interpretation and theological education.
Alongside my academic career, I have always remained rooted in the life of the Church. I served as pastor of Asbury Park First Church of God in Raleigh for seven years, walking with congregations through worship, teaching, pastoral care, and the everyday realities of faith.
My academic training includes a Ph.D. from Duke University in Religion, with concentrations in the Hebrew Bible and Semitic languages, Judaism, and anthropology. I hold an M.A. in Religion (Biblical Studies) from Anderson University School of Theology and a B.A. in Religion from Anderson University. My scholarly work has always been shaped by a conviction that careful reading—especially reading Scripture in its original languages and historical contexts—opens deeper pathways to faith rather than closing them.
I was ordained as a pastor in the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) in 1982, and in recent years have entered more fully into the sacramental life of the Church. I was ordained as a deacon in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church in June 2023, and as a priest in March 2024.
Today, my work brings together all these strands—scholarship, teaching, and priestly ministry. I am especially passionate about helping people develop good biblical reading skills: learning how to read Scripture attentively, responsibly, and faithfully, with respect for its ancient contexts and its continuing power to shape lives today.
Whether teaching, preaching, or writing, my hope is to open doors to understanding—inviting others to encounter Scripture not as a puzzle to be solved quickly, but as a sacred text worthy of patience, humility, and deep listening.