A picture of David Westfall

Dr. David Westfall

Assistant Professor of Theology

I am interested in the text of scripture—how it communicates meaning, and how its internal linguistic, literary and canonical features enable theological reflection. Among the Bible's varied themes, I am especially drawn to the topics of atonement, sacrifice, and the temple. In 2018 I completed a dissertation under the supervision of N.T. Wright exploring the relationship between substitutionary atonement and participation in Christ in the writings of the Apostle Paul. Since the fall of 2019 it has been my joy to teach a wide array of courses at Dordt University on the topics of biblical literature, interpretation, and languages, as well as to provide pulpit supply for local churches.

AREAS OF RESEARCH

Biblical Theology; Atonement; Pauline Studies; Israelite Sacrifice & Ritual; Second Temple Penitential & Martyrological Traditions; Second Language Acquisition; Natural Approaches to Biblical Language Pedagogy; Canonical Hermeneutics; Biblical Intertextuality.

PUBLICATIONS
  • "Exodus in the Pauline Letters." In Exodus in the New Testament: The New Testament and the Scriptures of Israel. Edited by Seth M. Ehorn. Library of New Testament Studies. London: Bloomsbury T&T Clark, forthcoming 2022.

  • "Rachel's Tears and the Joy of Christmas—Matthew 2:13-23." Pro Rege 48.4 (June 2020): 38-42.

COURSES TAUGHT
  • Biblical Foundations

  • Biblical Foundations, Theology, & Imagination (Honors)

  • Biblical Study Methods

  • Introductory NT Greek I&II

  • Intermediate NT Greek I&II

  • Introductory Biblical Hebrew I&II

  • OT Pentateuch

  • OT Historical Books

  • OT Wisdom & Writings

  • NT Gospels

  • NT Acts & Revelation

EDUCATION
  • Ph.D. University of St Andrews (New Testament)

  • M.Div. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

  • B.A. Calvin College (Classical Studies & Greek)