Dr Julia van den Brink Theology Lecturer

  • Henderson

Julia is an Associate Lecturer, teaching papers in the biblical languages, Greek and Hebrew, and New Testament Epistles. Her work on the biblical languages has included exploring the different ways the languages are taught to theological students and applying those insights to her classes, both in-person and online. She is passionate about helping students to get the most out of their study of the biblical languages and the New Testament.


Summary of key research

Julia's research interests include the writings of Luke-Acts and what it means to be described as blessed throughout the Bible. Her teaching role has led her to examine the range of different ways biblical Greek can be taught to theological students and how these insights can be applied to both in-person classes and distance courses.

Most recent publications

  • “Where is God's Blessing in a Pandemic?” In Stimulus 27.1 (May 2020): 1–3.
  • “Luke's Beatitudes and Woes: Are They Covenant Blessings and Curses?” In Stimulus 23.3 (Nov 2016): 12–17.


Personal Bio

Julia is from small town New Zealand, growing up in the rural Bay of Plenty surrounded by kiwifruit and dairy farming. She moved to Auckland in 2007, came to faith in Jesus, and dove into studying theology to learn all about her new faith. She picked up her surname by marrying a Dutchman. In her spare time, she has an eclectic range of hobbies, including reading (mainly history and a range of fiction genres), hiking, making cheese, and unicycling.


Research areas of specialisation and supervision

  • Blessing and curse
  • Luke’s Gospel
  • Biblical languages
  • Biblical languages
  • New Testament


Current Thesis Students

Carlos Muller, “Holy, Holy, Holy: A Grammatical-Historical Study on the Concept of קדש in the Torah with its Implications in 1 Corinthians.” Second Supervisor, MTh thesis.


Qualifications & Awards

  • PGCertAcadPrac - Postgraduate Certificate of Academic Practice, Auckland University, 2019.
  • PhD (Bible), Otago University, 2017.
  • PGDipTheol - Postgraduate Diploma of Theology, Laidlaw College, 2013.
  • BTheol - Bachelor of Theology, Laidlaw College, 2012.