Dr. Rollin Ramsaran is a Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Origins at Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan, where he teaches both residential and online courses. His research focuses on the moral teachings of the Apostle Paul, the role of Jesus in the early church, and the socio-political context of the first century. He is especially interested in Greco-Roman history, literature, rhetoric, and their application to New Testament interpretation, with current research in orality, performance criticism, and storytelling.

Dr. Ramsaran served as Dean of Emmanuel Christian Seminary from 2008-2010 and 2013-2023 and is active in the Association of Theological Schools and the Network of Biblical Storytellers. He has authored Liberating Words: Paul’s Use of Rhetorical Maxims in 1 Corinthians 1–10 and written articles in Catholic Biblical Quarterly and Leaven. His scholarly work contributes to both theological education and church renewal.

Dr. Ramsaran’s faith journey has been deeply intertwined with his academic path. An important mentor recognized his gift for learning and teaching, encouraging him to pursue seminary and doctoral studies. This call led Dr. Ramsaran to serve in churches and prepare for a future in theological education. In 1994, he was ordained to the ministry of higher education by the Brookline Church of Christ and was later called to the ministry of theological education at Emmanuel Christian Seminary (formerly Emmanuel School of Religion) in 1994.

Dr. Ramsaran’s favorite part of his work at Emmanuel is helping students respond faithfully to their call to be “leading servants” within the church.

Education:
PhD, New Testament and Christian Origins, Boston University
MA, Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary
BA, Bible and Preaching, Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University)