Dr Chris Northcott Research Fellow (School of Theology)

Chris supports the School of Theology as an Honorary Research Fellow, occasionally teaching the New Testament introduction and Biblical Interpretation papers. Prior to his doctoral studies, Chris was the youth paster for his church. He is currently an elder at Lincoln Road Bible Chapel in West Auckland and serves in a small paid role as the "local mission pastor," engaging evangelistically with the local community in several initiatives. He is also a member of the Pastoral Theologians Fellowship with CCCNZ and has previously lectured at Pathways College.

Chris is married to Rachael and has four young children. He is also a self-employed beekeeper with his own small commercial honey business. His goal in ministry has been to help Christians to develop deep roots for their faith so that they can stand strong and take wise action in the secular climate we find ourselves in, and ultimately be found pleasing and faithful to the Lord Jesus. 

Chris writes for a general Christian audience at www.chrisnorthcott.org and with a more evangelistic outlook at www.takeanotherlook.nz. 

Summary of key research

Chris’s PhD thesis examines the interpretive history of Hebrews 6:4–6 among Reformed interpreters, who find themselves required to respond to the challenge this text ostensibly brings to their doctrine known as “the perseverance of the saints.” Within this history, the thesis examined the influence of John Owen’s massive Exposition on Hebrews (published 1668–1884)—Owen being an early and formative influence on the Reformed tradition. The thesis paid attention to interpretive techniques and to the changing contexts for interpretation since the Reformation, especially regarding theologically oriented interpretation.

Chris’s earlier MTh thesis examined Colossians 1:15–20, exploring the formulation of Paul’s Christology in this passage and setting it against contemporary presentations of the Roman emperors who were presented as divinely-ordained world rulers.

Areas of Interest for Research

  • History of Biblical Interpretation, Reception History
  • Interpretive Method
  • The Book of Hebrews
  • The Synoptic Gospels, especially in their distinctive presentations of Christ and Christian discipleship. Redaction and canon criticism of the Gospels.
  • John Owen as an interpreter of Scripture

Publications: Peer Reviewed

  • “Early Reformed Counterinterpretations of Heb 6:4–6,” Evangelical Quarterly 95.4 (2024), 289-306.
  • “‘The Furnace of Divine Wrath’: Providence in John Owen’s Preaching on the Plague and Fire of London.” Stimulus, December 2021.
  • “The Puritan Epic Poetess: Why Christians Should Read Lucy Hutchinson's Order and Disorder.” Stimulus, December 2018.
  • “‘King of Kings’ in Other Words: Colossians 1:15a as a Designation of Authority Rather than Revelation.” Tyndale Bulletin 69.2 (2018), 205–224.

Publications: Popular

Qualifications & Awards

  • PhD – Auckland University of Technology/Laidlaw College, 2024.
  • MTh – Laidlaw College, 2012
  • GradDipTeaching (Secondary) – University of Auckland, 2009. Awarded the Auckland Classical Association Prize in Classical Studies, 2008.
  • GradDipArts (History and Classics) – University of Auckland, 2008
  • Bachelor of Ministry - Bible College of New Zealand, 2007