Luther Seminary has appointed Professor Matthew Skinner to the Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Chair of New Testament, effective July 1, 2023.

A prominent New Testament teacher and scholar, Skinner has been a member of the seminary faculty since 2002. His teaching focuses on the original, ancient settings and circumstances surrounding the creation and preservation of biblical writings, as well as how this literature continues to be experienced and interpreted in congregations and other public venues. His published works include two books on Acts, “Acts: Catching Up with the Spirit” and “Intrusive God, Disruptive Gospel: Encountering the Divine in the Book of Acts,” as well as “A Companion to the New Testament,” a three-volume guide to the 27 books of the New Testament, and many articles and biblical commentaries. In addition to teaching and writing, Skinner co-hosts the Sermon Brainwave podcast and holds a part-time role as Scholar for Adult Education at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Minneapolis. He received a Ph.D. in biblical studies and an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and is an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

“Matt Skinner is master teacher, rigorous scholar, and has served in many roles at Luther Seminary,” said Rolf Jacobson, dean of the faculty. “His work on Working Preacher, especially Sermon Brainwave, has made top-end New Testament scholarship available around the globe.”

The Asher O. and Carrie Nasby chair at Luther Seminary recognizes an exemplary teacher and mentor who inspires in their students a desire to lead their congregations in Bible study. Howe E. Nasby established the endowed chair to honor the memory of the Christian witness and service of his parents. It was previously held by Professor Emeritus Craig Koester.

“I am honored and humbled to be appointed to the Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Endowed Chair in New Testament,” said Skinner. “The Nasbys were laypeople who understood that the Bible is a book for each new generation of God’s people—all of us—to engage deeply as a key piece of our faith formation. I am grateful to God for the opportunities I have to play a part in extending that legacy.”