Tyndale House in Cambridge is one of the few research centres in the world dedicated to the scholarly study of biblical texts. With its exceptional collection of biblical studies resources, Tyndale House draws scholars from all over the world to work on projects ranging from PhD dissertations to biblical language curricula and new Bible translations.
While scholars from well-resourced countries can easily access Tyndale House’s extensive collection and vibrant community, those from less affluent nations face significant challenges. Many struggle to access high-quality biblical studies materials or raise funds for studying in countries where they can make use of rich resources to further their expertise for effectively serving the growing global church. That makes it hard to develop infrastructure for supporting biblical scholarship in their local contexts.
To address these challenges, the International Scholars Programme at Tyndale House offers evangelical Bible scholars from majority-world countries access to its library and residential accommodation at significant discounts or at no cost. We also collaborate with national and regional groups of scholars to foster local networks that promote grassroots development of biblical scholarship.
As our library grows, so do our ambitions for the International Scholars Programme. We currently work with both individuals and groups of scholars, aiming to increase both the number of scholars supported and the resources offered. By God’s grace, we have already seen the positive impact of these efforts. The inspiring stories of Dr Johnson Rajendran and Dr Diego dy Carlos Araújo show how they have benefitted from the programme.
Dr Johnson Rajendran, India
March 2022
It is my privilege to share my experiences with Tyndale House. I currently serve as the Principal of Hindustan Bible Institute and College (HBI) in Chennai, India. We currently have 235 students, of whom 57 are studying for a DMin and 21 are working on PhDs.
I had the honour of visiting Tyndale House in 2022 during a critical phase of my academic journey. At that time, I was on the verge of discontinuing my PhD programme due to a lack of access to essential resources in my region. Most of the required books for my research were inaccessible or unaffordable. On my supervisor’s advice, I decided to apply to Tyndale House, even though I faced significant financial challenges.
In response to my situation, Tyndale House graciously awarded me an International Scholars Programme scholarship. This generous support made it possible for me to visit Tyndale House and continue my PhD journey. My time at Tyndale House was transformative. The resources available and the intellectually enriching interactions with scholars over coffee discussions provided unparalleled support for my dissertation. During my stay, I completed my dissertation’s second and third chapters and collected materials for the remaining chapters.
In June 2023, I successfully defended my dissertation, and I was awarded my PhD in August 2023. Since then, I have had the privilege of presenting eight papers in academic forums such as the University of Madras Doctoral Seminar, ATA (Asia Theological Association) Theological Consultation, Chennai Inter-Theologiate Seminar, HBI Postgraduate Seminar, HBI Webinar, and M1 Gather in Thailand. Additionally, I have published ten articles in various journals.
Tyndale House played an instrumental role in shaping me as a researcher and scholar. Today, as I teach and mentor students at HBI, I am passionate about equipping and inspiring the next generation of biblical scholars. I have a vision to develop a hundred indigenous biblical scholars for India. This is a critical need as the church continues to grow in the global south. Indigenous scholars will play a vital role in strengthening the church and ensuring it is deeply rooted in the Word of God.
Dr Diego dy Carlos Araújo, Brazil
October 2023
Thanks to Tyndale House’s generous support, I completed my PhD, which I could not have done without them. My three and a half years there was arguably the most formative time of my life, both academically and personally. This is because Tyndale House is not just a library, but also one of the most vibrant academic communities I know, where one finds the perfect combination of rigorous scholarly work and a love for God and his word. This experience reshaped the way I understand and approach scholarship—as a ministry rather than just a career.
Tyndale House has modelled evangelical scholarship for me. It fosters a community of like-minded scholars who encourage and sharpen one another, demonstrating academic excellence, courage, humility, and a profound love for God, his word, and his church. I strive to replicate this in my ministry: ‘presenting the truths of the Bible at a high academic level and recruiting potential scholars, pastors, and writers to resource the Church in Brazil with sound Bible teaching at all levels.’ I seek to achieve this through teaching, writing, and bringing together a cohort of Brazilian Bible scholars in fellowship.
Since returning to Brazil in July 2021, I’ve served as a lecturer and researcher in theological education, and in 2024, I joined Martin Bucer Seminary (SMB) in São Paulo. It is one of the largest seminaries in the country, with over 400 students in the BA programme, and over 700 students enrolled in online programmes. SMB shares my vision for raising and training Brazilian biblical scholars. They have tasked me with designing a centre for biblical research focused on the original languages and exegesis—one of the most pressing needs in Brazil.
The evangelical church in Brazil has grown significantly, with an estimated 50 million believers. However, there remains a disparity between the number of evangelicals and the availability of biblically equipped leaders. Brazilian pastors and seminarians urgently need more well-trained theological educators and writers who combine a passion for the Gospel with sound biblical understanding.
So I have developed two masters programmes (Old Testament Interpretation and Theology, and New Testament Interpretation and Theology) set to commence in 2025, in collaboration with Tyndale House.
My PhD thesis was published in 2024 and I have had an article published in the Tyndale Bulletin, as well as a couple of articles published in TH ink (translated into Portuguese, along with other TH ink articles). I’m now writing a book on reconciliation in Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon.
I have also just established the Academia Brasileira de Estudos Bíblicos (Brazilian Academy of Biblical Studies), the first fellowship of evangelical biblical scholars in Brazil. This contributes to my vision for developing a network of scholars who will work together to benefit the Portuguese-speaking Church, based on the model of the Tyndale Fellowship and Tyndale House, Cambridge. I’m very excited about taking the first group of Brazilian scholars to Tyndale House next summer.
April 23, 2025
