Michael J. Thate is an accomplished scholar with a background in ancient history, religion, and modern philosophy. His education includes a Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies and History of New Testament Interpretation from the University of Durham, a Master of Arts in New Testament and Biblical Studies from Trinity International University, and a Master of Divinity in Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics from Trinity International University. Thate has also studied at various institutions, including the Institut catholique de Paris, Alliance française de Bruxelles-Europe, Ecole normale supérieure, and Goethe-Institut e.V.

Thate has held several positions throughout his career, including Associate Research Scholar at Princeton University, Visiting Research Fellow at Harvard Divinity School, and Lecturer in New Testament Interpretation at Yale Divinity School. He has also worked as a Researcher at Brandtrust and as a Post-Doctoral Visiting Research Fellow at Yale University Careers. Thate's expertise lies in the study of religion, Old and New Testament interpretation, and brand consulting. He has contributed his knowledge to several publications and worked on editorial teams, including as a Research and Editorial Assistant at Redeemer City to City.