Dr Martin Clay

BA PhD

Dean of Postgraduate Studies

Martin is a biblical theologian whose research and teaching primarily focuses on facilitating deeper Christian understanding of Old Testament Hebrew texts.

He has been lecturing at Regents Theological College since 2006 and subsequently engaged in supervision of a wide range of research projects through to PhD level. Previously functioning as Dean of Research, Martin is currently the Dean of Postgraduate Studies.

Martin is currently writing a commentary on the Book of Esther that explores its significance for Pentecostal-charismatic readers. He is also engaged in research into a Pentecostal lens for reading the book of Isaiah, as well as constructively engaging the theology of the book of Genesis.

He maintains a lifelong interest in German language and culture, nurtured by marriage to Beate and their bilingual household of three sons, and is keen to reflect on what Pentecostal-charismatics might learn from engagement with other traditions, especially concerning spiritual formation within continental Pietism and the portrayal of the human condition in postwar German philosophy and poetry.

Qualifications
BA Hons in Applied Theology, University of Manchester

PhD, University of Wales, Bangor
Teaching
Martin has taught across the fields of Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, Hermeneutics, and Biblical Languages. He also occasionally lectures on theological aspects of 20^th century German thought.

Modules he currently teaches include:

Biblical Hebrew Language and Exegesis

The Torah: Genesis-Deuteronomy in Christian Perspective

Old Testament Prophetic Literature: Theologies and Applications

Interpreting Genesis: Exegesis and Reception

Interpreting Old Testament Texts as Pentecostal-charismatic Readers: Esther and Song of Songs
Postgraduate Supervision
Supervisions of PhD research projects include:

Lead Supervisor

Ager, R. M. (2021). In sickness and in health: A theological-exegetical reading of healings in the gospels and Acts as the basis for the development of a pentecostal theology of healing. University of Chester.

Second Supervisor

Bennett, D. (2025) UK Pentecostals and Domestic Abuse (ongoing)

Kwak, W. (2017). A study of Matthew 8.16-17 seeing Jesus’ healing as the fulfilment of Isaiah 53.4a through narrative analysis. University of Chester.

Regular supervision of a wide range of dissertation and independent research projects at BA and MA level, with some postgraduate students going on to publish aspects of their research in recognised journals.
Research

Old Testament interpretation including reception history, especially of Genesis, Song of Songs, Esther, and Daniel.

Constructive approaches to Biblical Theology, exploring themes, methods and scope.

Theological engagements with 20^th century German thought (mainly Bultmann and Heidegger) and literature (especially Kunert and Endler).
Other Professional Activities
Publications

“‘To the Only Doer of Great Wonders’ (Ps 136,4): YHWH’s ‘Wonders’ in the Hebrew Bible as a Criterion for Discernment of the Miraculous.” In Signs and Wonders: Divine Action, Pentecostalism, and Science, edited by Simo Frestadius and Claire Williams, 53-74. Cleveland, TN: CPT Press, 2025.

“The Book of the Twelve.” In A Biblical Theology of the Holy Spirit, edited by Trevor J. Burke and Keith Warrington, 71-83. London: SPCK, 2014.

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