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My Background
I have wide experience teaching New Testament Greek in Britain and Ireland in various contexts ranging from adult education and colleges of further education, to university settings where I tutored undergraduates. For many years I gave private instruction to individuals who required a grounding in New Testament or Classical Greek for research purposes or as a condition of their being accepted on higher degree courses. I also instructed third level students preparing for supplemental (i.e. repeat) examinations in New Testament Greek, as well as coordinated one and two week intensive summer school programmes for beginners and advanced level students. I have also taught New Testament Greek to missionaries as part of their preparation for translation work in Africa and the Middle East. Latterly I have been promoting the study of New Testament Greek on the Isle of Wight and in Hertfordshire, including the setting up of reading groups for those who have completed the beginners course. Although I continue to attract and welcome individuals whose ultimate objective is to read classical or Graeco-Roman texts, my primary goal is to generate interest in the study of New Testament Greek among the various Christian communities in Great Britain and Ireland. WHAT THE STUDENTS SAY.... "Dr Brendan Devitt is an excellent teacher who will convince you that "I started with zero knowledge of Greek; now, some ten months later, I "Dr Brendan Devitt has been professional and supportive throughout the course. His knowledge of New Testament Greek is incomparable and his teaching skills are outstanding....one really can learn a tremendous amount of New Testament Greek in under a year and acquire a solid foundation for further study. Recommended without reservation". Dr Trevor R Allin (Ph.D. in Linguistics, St Andrews University, currently Lay Reader in the Spanish Anglican Church and member of Ministry Team) "Somehow, in only three terms, he managed to get us from learning the Greek "Dr Devitt has a vast knowledge not only of Greek but also of the scriptures. "Excellent tuition, infectious enthusiasm and constant reassurances that 'it's really very easy', plus the chance to engage in not a little theological, linguistic and historical discussion en route, made it an absorbing course - challenging but very worthwhile" Sheena, Deacon, Baptist Church (Hitchin) "A challenging but very enjoyable course; alongside the necessary focus on "The Beginner’s Course is not to be missed if you seek real added depth in Bible understanding...Brendan's infectious enthusiasm makes it all a priceless, extraordinary and unforgettable experience." Geoff W, retired engineer (Letchworth) "Before my final degree Greek exams I had several hours of skype tutorials with "This is an intellectually challenging course but extremely stimulating "This course is a must if you want to learn N.T Greek. You start off with the "A great eye opener. It doesn't sound Greek to me anymore!" Greg, journalist (Luton) "Be a Greek Geek in twenty easy lessons - replete with Irish humour!" RS, retired businessman (Letchworth) "Knowledgeable explanations...tender teaching...gentle encouragement...really rewarding...serious religion in a relaxed and pleasing way" Contact Parish Magazine Hitchin (July 2009) "I really enjoyed the course, which was held in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended!" Pam (Hitchin) "A thoroughly enjoyable and stimulating course and well taught too. I would "The classes are great as Brendan is a superb teacher, full of encouragement with a wonderful sense of humour. The satisfaction of being able to translate the Greek was worth the effort of doing all the homework." Wendy, physiotherapist (Stevenage) "Having studied a bit of NT Greek (in Afrikaans, my first language) about 15 "The course is well-taught and enjoyable. Brendan really knows his stuff and has a good and engaging teaching style. Learning NT Greek isn't easy, it requires effort and determination, but it is rewarding and very satisfying when you can start to read NT passages in the language in which they were originally written." Mark Stubbs, Librarian, (Luton) "In the past I had tried to study Greek on my own - impossible! I needed the regular weekly commitment to attending Brendan's kind, friendly, often hilarious, and laid back teaching sessions! I admit I would have got on even better if I'd done the homework every week, though he never made us feel we'd failed if we hadn't been able to get round to it. Brendan's love of his subject, both linguistically and for the religious insights NT Greek gives, inspired me to carry on through the year, even when I had to miss weeks due to my daughter being in hospital. There can't be many chances to study NT Greek where it is such fun! - An opportunity not to be missed!" Katrina Nice (Baldock) |
I read New Testament Greek and Classical Hebrew as part of my BA Hons degree in Biblical & Theological Studies at Trinity College Dublin. For my Masters at Exeter College Oxford I specialised in Early Byzantine history and Medieval Greek for which I gained a distinction. My PhD on Roman Administration in Galilee 44-66AD (under the supervision of Professor Sean Freyne, TCD) was based on the Greek text of Josephus' Bellum Judaicum, Antiquitates, and Vita, as well as the Latin text of Tacitus' Annals (Book XII). A close reading of texts in the original was always central to my academic training and is the core element in all the courses that I offer both at beginners and advanced level.
