Dr. Wilkins attended Cuesta College and later graduated from Biola College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social science (1974). He graduated from Talbot Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity in New Testament Language and Literature (1977). He received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary (1986). Dr. Wilkins did Post-Doctoral Study in New Testament Theology at the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of California, San Diego (1993).
Dr. Wilkins helped start a new Evangelical Free Church in Carlsbad, California, and was the senior pastor of the church for three years (1977-1980). He was also a senior pastor for three years (1981-1983) of the Cayucos Community Evangelical Free Church in Cayucos, California.
In 1983 Dr. Wilkins accepted an appointment as a professor of Biblical Studies at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, La Mirada, California. He served as Director of the department of undergraduate Biblical Studies and Theology and later Chair of the graduate department of New Testament Language and Literature. He currently serves as Dean of the Faculty and Professor of New Testament Language and Literature at Talbot School of Theology.
Dr. Wilkins married Lynne (Melia) Wilkins in 1971. They live in San Clemente, CA and have two daughters, Michelle and Wendy.