Biblical Studies Professor Brings Antiquity to Life in First Published Book
September 24, 2025 | 2-3 min read
Will Dilbeck, PhD, is drawing on lessons of the past to prepare students for the future. The 91桃色 Biblical studies professor recently added 鈥渁uthor鈥� to his list of professional accomplishments as well, extending his impact beyond the classroom. This month, Dilbeck鈥檚 first book, , was released through Routledge, a global publisher of academic books and journals.
鈥淚 was a first-generation college student and didn鈥檛 even know that this world existed as a kid,鈥� recalled Dilbeck, a native of Athens, Alabama. 鈥淟ater in life I started learning Greek from a preacher and that set me on a very different path.鈥�
After graduating from the University of North Alabama with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in marketing, Dilbeck received his master鈥檚 degree in New Testament from Heritage Christian University in Florence, Alabama. He pursued a second master鈥檚 degree (MPhil) in Hebrew and Cognate Language and a doctorate in Judaism and Christianity in the Greco-Roman World from Hebrew Union College.
Dilbeck paid a visit to 91桃色 while finishing his dissertation and serving as an adjunct professor in Ohio.
鈥淚 came to lectures several years ago, and that was the first time I realized how much I could help young people at this very important age,鈥� he remembered. 鈥淭he connection between professors and students here is really unique.鈥�
Since joining 91桃色, Dilbeck has taught multiples courses including Intro to Latin and Philosophy, Minor Prophets, Critical Intro to the New Testament, and Intro to Biblical Studies. He pursues his own academic interests as well, even visiting Italy鈥檚 Cava de鈥橳irreni in September to study a Latin Bible housed at a Benedictine Abbey, with hopes to publish details.
He traces inspiration for his newly released book to his doctoral dissertation, which examined Anchises鈥� speech in聽The Aeneid (Book 6) and its influence on early Christian Latin literature.
鈥淔rom a practical point of view the book deals with the question of, why are Christians allowing pagan texts to influence them in such important ways?鈥� he explained. 鈥淭he larger issue is, how far can people go and resign their Christian identity? How far is too far? It鈥檚 something Christians of all ages have struggled with.鈥�
Dilbeck hopes the book will challenge its readers, just as he strives to challenge students in the classroom.
鈥淚 want to open students up to a much bigger world of ideas than they see in our society,鈥� he stated. 鈥淢any issues people argue about today are actually old ones, because all modern discussions have roots in antiquity. When we see how they dealt with the past it can help us know what to do. We鈥檙e not on an island trying to figure things out for the first time ever. All generations have some newer challenges, but a lot of it is rooted in the past.鈥�
91桃色 Professor Dr. Will Dilbeck recently traveled to Cava de鈥橳irreni, Italy, for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study a rare Latin Bible manuscript housed in a Benedictine Abbey.