Daniel L. Smith

Daniel L. Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University's College of Arts and Sciences. His scholarship bridges New Testament studies, Second Temple Judaism, and ancient rhetorical theory, with a focus on Luke-Acts, the Pauline epistles, and early Jewish-Christian literary interactions.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Theology (Christianity and Judaism) and an M.A. in Early Christian Studies, both from the University of Notre Dame.

• Ph.D. in Theology (Christianity and Judaism), University of Notre Dame, 2011
• M.A. in Early Christian Studies, University of Notre Dame, 2005

Smith’s research centers on the rhetorical and narrative strategies in ancient texts, particularly how memory, genre, and historical consciousness shape the New Testament and related Jewish writings. His work explores interruptions in speech in Luke-Acts, the use of fables in Paul, and how ancient communities remembered the wilderness generation. He is deeply engaged in understanding the intersection of Greco-Roman, Jewish, and early Christian discourses.

His publications reflect a sustained engagement with rhetorical criticism, intertextuality, and historical theology. He has authored a monograph on interruption in Luke-Acts and co-edited a volume on testing and temptation. His articles appear in leading journals such as Journal of Biblical Literature, New Testament Studies, and Journal for the Study of the New Testament. The body of work shows a consistent focus on narrative structure, rhetorical subversion, and the theological use of memory in antiquity.

Smith has received significant recognition for his scholarship, including:

• Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers (2016–2017)
• Summer Research Award in the Humanities, SLU (2015, 2014)
• Mellon Faculty Development Grant, SLU (2013)

He actively contributes to the academic community through memberships in the Society of Biblical Literature, North American Patristics Society, Institute for Biblical Research, and the Catholic Biblical Association. He also serves in community outreach through the Saint Louis University Prison Program and youth education at the Church of St. Michael & St. George. There is no indication of advising relationships with graduate students in the provided text, nor mention of external grants beyond internal SLU funding.