Philip has a PhD in New Testament from the University of Otago. His academic interests include the Epistle to the Hebrews, Jewish literature from the Second Temple period, and restorationism, Zionism and supersessionism.

Summary of key research

Philip’s PhD thesis is a study of the temple in the Epistle to the Hebrews. He argues that the lack of mention of the temple in Hebrews does not mean the temple is absent from the writer’s mind. The first readers of Hebrews wanted to add temple ritual to their faith and the writer argues that if they go down that road there is no return. This interest in the temple in Hebrews has led Philip to consider the theology of land, Jerusalem and temple and the New Testament, and his studies of restorationism Zionism, and supersessionism have emerged from that. He has published two books and edited one other volume as well as eight book chapters and nine journal articles.

Most recent Publications

• “Separation from the (Evil) World: 2 Timothy 2.19-21 and the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.” TBT 73, no. 2 (2022): 252-67
• “Turning Away from the Living God (Heb. 3:12): The Growth and Decline of the Relapse Theory for the Setting of Hebrews.” EQ 94 (2023): 1–25
• Never Give Up! The Message of Hebrews. Tyrannus Textbook Series. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2023
• “‘The True Tabernacle of Hebrews 8:2:’ A Response to Nicholas J Moore” Tynbul 75 (2024):1–30
• “Hebrews and the Question of Supersessionism.” Pages 157–80 in Oxford Handbook of Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles. Edited by Patrick Gray. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2024

Personal Bio

Philip retired from full-time teaching several years ago, but has continued to teach in a variety of contexts in the majority world, and remains available for masters and doctoral supervision. He believes influencing those who can influence others for the Kingdom of God is a calling, and he enjoys helping younger scholars in their academic development. He is interested in the care of creation and the relationship between science and Christianity and serves on the board of two charities working in these fields. He is married to Dorothy, and they have three adult children and four grandchildren. They live close to One Tree Hill, and he walks there daily.

Research areas of specialisation and supervision

• New Testament Studies
• The Book of Hebrews

Current Thesis Students

Aaron Steel, “Jesus the New Temple: Defilement, Forsaking, and Restoration.” MTh Thesis, Laidlaw College

Qualifications & Awards

• PhD (Biblical Studies), University of Otago, 2012
• MTh - Master of Theology, Australian College of Theology, 1997.
• MCS - Master of Christian Studies, Regent College, Vancouver BC, 1983.
• Dip Theol - Diploma of Theology, Melbourne College of Divinity, 1980.