Paul S. Evans

Associate Professor of Old Testament

pevans@mcmaster.ca
Room 236
See Curriculum Vitae

Paul joined the faculty at McMaster Divinity College in 2009 after teaching Biblical Studies for three years at Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta and specializes in Old Testament studies and in his teaching and research emphasizes the theological significance of the Old Testament and the value of its application for the Church today. Currently, Paul is writing a two-volume commentary on 1-2 Chronicles for The New International Commentary on the Old Testament series published by Eerdmans. Paul previously wrote a commentary on 1 & 2 Samuel published in the Story of God series by Zondervan. Paul’s earlier work includes a monograph entitled The Invasion of Sennacherib in the Book of Kings: A Source-Critical and Rhetorical Study of 2 Kings 18-19, which was awarded the 2010 R.B.Y. Scott Award by the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies recognizing an outstanding book in the areas of Hebrew Bible and/or the Ancient Near East. Paul’s most recent monograph entitled Sennacherib and the War of 1812: Historical Reconstructions of the Assyrian Campaign of 701 BCE in Light of Military History, was published 2023 by Bloomsbury. In addition Paul has many research articles in print, with most focussed on the historical books of the Old Testament. Many of Paul’s articles are accessible through Academia.edu

Practical Ministry Experience:

Paul was raised in British Columbia, a pastor’s son, and acquired a passion for the Bible early in life. Before teaching at the university level, he previously served in pastoral ministry in both Alberta and Ontario and continues to be enthusiastic about the Church and its mission. Paul frequently preaches in local churches in Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area.

 

Current Research:
  • Commentary on 1-2 Chronicles for the NICOT series (Eerdmans).
  • King Hezekiah and the invasion of Sennacherib in 701 BC
  • The Life of king David
  • Orality Studies and the Chronicler
Publications:
Academic Monograph, Sennacherib and the War of 1812 This book compares the Sennacherib’s Third Campaign with the War of 1812 between Canada and the USA as an example of disputed victory from military history. Evans examines Assyrian and biblical texts to evaluate the conflict and argues that rather than being intentionally deceptive in their accounts of the events, both sides had reasons to perceive the war as a victory.

 

Biblical Commentary 1-2 Samuel. Story of God Commentary. Zondervan, 2018.

 

Co-Edited Volume Chronicling the Chronicler: TheBook of Chronicles and Early Second Temple Historiography. Eisenbrauns, 2013.

Monograph The Invasion of Sennacherib in the Book of Kings: A Source-Critical and Rhetorical Study of 2 Kings 18-19. Supplements to Vetus Testamentum 125. Leiden: Brill,  2009. 

Accreditations

PhD
University of St. Michael's College
Toronto, ON
MTS
Wycliffe College
Toronto, ON
BCS
North American Baptist College
Edmonton, AB

Current Course List

Course Title Instructors Term Year/Month Days
Research Methods Paul S. Evans Fall 2024 Mon
Old Testament Synoptic Traditions Paul S. Evans Fall 2024 Wed
The Message of Isaiah Paul S. Evans Winter 2025 Wed
Reading and Applying the Old Testament Scriptures Paul S. Evans Winter 2025
The Book of Kings Paul S. Evans Winter 2025 Tues

Recent Publications

Title Professor Name Year
Sennacherib and the War of 1812 Paul S. Evans 2023
chronicling the chronicler book cover Chronicling The Chronicler: The Book Of Chronicles And Early Second Temple Historiography Paul S. Evans, Tyler F. Williams 2013
The Story of God Bible Commentary: 1-2 Samuel Paul S. Evans 2018
The Invasion of Sennacherib in the Book of Kings Paul S. Evans 2009