David Wenham (theologian)
David Wenham (born 1945) is a British theologian and Anglican priest who has written several books on the New Testament. He is the son of theologian John Wenham and the brother of Gordon Wenham. He grew up in Durham and Bristol.
He studied theology at Pembroke College, Cambridge, earning a BA in 1967; the degree was later upgraded to an MA Cantab. He did his PhD at the University of Manchester under F. F. Bruce, finishing in 1970.
Early career and research: He served as Theological Students’ Secretary with the UCCF, taught at Union Biblical Seminary in India, and directed Tyndale House’s Gospels Research Project.
Ordination and ministry: While in Cambridge he trained part-time at Ridley Hall. He was ordained deacon in 1984 and priest in 1985. He served as a non-stipendiary minister in Shelswell (1996–2002) and at St Michael’s, Cumnor (2003–2007). From 2007 to 2013 he focused on his academic work. In 2013 he returned to St Michael’s, Cumnor, and serves as non-stipendiary minister of St Andrew’s Church in Dean Court (benefice of St Michael’s) in his semi-retirement.
Academic career: He worked at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford as tutor in New Testament from 1983 to 2007, also serving as dean (2002–2005) and vice principal (2005–2006). In 2007 he became senior tutor in New Testament at Trinity College, Bristol, and from 2008 to 2012 was vice principal. Since 2012 he has been a part-time New Testament tutor.
Interests and publications: He studies the origins and reliability of the gospels and the first-century context of Jesus and the early church. His books include The Parables of Jesus (IVP) and Paul and Jesus: the true story (SPCK/Eerdmans).
Personal life: He is married to Clare and they have two adult sons.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 07:50 (CET).