Whitley Lecture 2026: From Estrangement to Embrace

Reconciliation - "From Estrangement to Embrace: Scriptural Storylines and the Gospel’s Vision of Reconciliation."

In this lecture, Rev Dr Paulus de Jong will consider three particular Gospel narratives to consider the topic of interpersonal reconciliation. Focusing on the visit of the Magi in Matthew's Gospel; the story of the Samaritan women in John's Gospel; and the story of Zacchaeus in Luke's Gospel, Rev Dr de Jong will argue that these stories are rooted in larger scriptural storylines as 'profound examples of the reconciling power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - a power capable of transforming estranged families, divided tribes, and treacherous enemies.'

The event will be held onsite in Paisley Baptist Church and livestreamed online.

Rev Dr. Paulus de Jong

Paulus was born in the Netherlands and lived in Scotland between 2016-2024 where he was studying at St Andrews University. Latterly during his time in Scotland, he was a minister at St Andrews Baptist Church and lecturer at the Scottish Baptist College. Paulus returned to the Netherlands to take up positions at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences and at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. He holds a BA in Theology from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, a ministry degree from the Dutch Baptist Seminary, and an MLitt and PhD in Biblical studies from the University of St Andrews. He is married and has two daughters and a son. A long-time friend of SBC, we are very much looking forward to having Paulus back visiting us at the Scottish Baptist College!

Whitley Lectures

The Whitley Lecture was first established in 1949 in honour of WT Whitley (1861–1947), the Baptist minister and historian. Following a pastorate in Bridlington, during which he also taught at Rawdon College in Yorkshire, Whitley became the first Principal of the Baptist College of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, in 1891. This institution was later renamed Whitley College in his honour.

Whitley was a key figure in the formation of the Baptist Historical Society in 1908. He edited its journal, which soon gained an international reputation for the quality of its contents – a reputation it still enjoys nearly a century later as the 'Baptist Quarterly'. His 'A History of British Baptists' (London: Charles Griffin, 1923) remains an important source of information and comment for contemporary historians. Altogether he made an important contribution to Baptist life and self-understanding in Britain and Australia, providing a model of how a pastor-scholar might enrich the life and faith of others.

The establishment of the annual lecture in his name is designed as an encouragement to research and writing by Baptist scholars, and to enable the results of this work to be published. The giving of grants, advice and other forms of support by the Lectureship Committee serves the same purpose. The committee consists of representatives of the British Baptist Colleges, the Baptist Union of Great Britain, BMS World Mission, the Baptist Ministers’ Fellowship, and the Baptist Historical Society. These organisations also provide financial support for its work.