He first studied mechanical engineering (B.Sc., Western Michigan University) and worked for several years in industry before the Lord directed him into theological education. He subsequently completed an M.A. at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and a Th.M. at Trinity before obtaining his doctorate. Prior to coming to RTS, Dr. Timmer taught Biblical Studies at the Faculté de théologie réformée Farel in Montreal, Quebec, for five years. He has also taught courses at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and Concordia University, and served for several years as a ruling elder in an urban church plant of the Reformed Church of Quebec.
Dr. Timmer has a strong interest in the theological interpretation of Scripture, focusing especially on biblical theology, the book of Job, prophetic eschatology, and the theme and practice of mission. His publications include a monograph on the context of Exodus 32-34 and articles on the ancient Near East, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and biblical theology. He and his wife Andreea have two sons, Nathan and Felix, and their interests include painting, a wide variety of music, and the Church in the French-speaking world.
“Creation, Tabernacle, and Sabbath: The Sabbath Frame of Exodus 31:12-17; 35:1-3” in Exegetical and Theological Perspective (Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2009)
“God’s Speeches, Job’s Responses, and the Problem of Coherence in the Book of Job: Sapiential Pedagogy Revisited,” Catholic Biblical Quarterly 71 (2009) 286-305
“Sectarianism and Soteriology. The Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6,24-26) in the Qumranite Community Rule (1QS),” Biblica 89 (2008) 389-96
“Jonah and Mission: Missiological Dichotomy, Biblical Theology, and the Via Tertia,” Westminster Theological Journal 70 (2008) 159-75