ATSS: Tom de Bruin, “Extra-canonical Books and the Bible”
13 December 2022 |
Think about this for a moment:
- Satan is hardly mentioned in the Old Testament—just three times—and is present almost everywhere in the New Testament. Where does that emphasis on Satan come from?
- The Old Testament is silent about an afterlife: the dead know nothing, feel nothing, experience nothing. The New Testament shows a different picture.
- There is an eternal fire (Mark 9:45–28) and Jesus makes a trip to the underworld (1 Peter 3:19). Where does this belief in a hell and underworld come from?
- Why is there such a difference between Melchizedek in Genesis and in Hebrews?
The answers to these, and many more questions, can be found in extra-biblical texts.
Many Christians are not aware of the large wealth of Jewish and Christian texts written in biblical times. Sure, we know that some Bibles include the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books, and maybe we’ve even read them once or twice. We’ve heard of some fake-sounding, hidden texts from novelist Dan Brown. But the true bounty of knowledge remains largely untapped.
Tom de Bruin will guide us through what is out there and see how it enlightens the Bible. He’ll give an overview of some of these ancient texts, and we’ll trace the development of some theological themes to solve New Testament enigmas.
Teacher:
Tom de Bruin received his PhD in Biblical Studies from Leiden University in 2014. His thesis was entitled “The Great Controversy,” and was a study of the forces of darkness in ancient Judaism and early Christianity. De Bruin lectured in New Testament at Newbold College for several years, as well as serving the church as pastor, church administrator, church planter, and youth director.
De Bruin’s book Extreme Walking explores extra-canonical books for non-specialists: Read more about Dr. de Bruin here.
Moderator:
Randi Robertson is an instructor/pilot for JetBlue Airlines. She teaches at JetBlue University at Orlando International Airport.
How to join:
One-click link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81663159165
Passcode: APOCRYPHA
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Please double-check the correct time where you live.
Times around the world:
-
- Reykjavík: 5:30 PM
- College Place: 10:30 AM
- Lincoln: 12:30 PM
- Denver: 11:30 AM
- Bracknell: 6:30 PM
- Berrien Springs: 1:30 PM
- Loma Linda: 10:30 AM
- Nairobi: 8:30 PM
- Gackle: 12:30 PM
- Hosur: 11:00 PM
- Waco: 12:30 PM
- Keene: 12:30 PM
- Helsinki: 8:30 PM
- Stockholm: 7:30 PM
- Hamburg: 7:30 PM
- Cape Town: 9:30 PM
- Madrid: 7:30 PM
- Paris: 7:30 PM
- Honolulu: 7:30 AM
- India (all): 12:00 PM (Sunday)
- Cooranbong: 5:30 AM (Sunday)
- Perth: 2:30 AM (Sunday)
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum. We discuss and ask questions politely. We don’t accuse, get angry, or put people down.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand—under the “reactions” button.
- Please use your name when you sign in! Not your phone number, not your initials. This will help us differentiate you from unwelcome guests who want to disrupt us. You can set your name after signing on by clicking on the 3 dots next to your picture, which drops down a menu.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
Coming up:
- Mike Tucker
- Jon Paulien
- Loren Seibold
- Bryan Ness
- Olive Hemmings
- Pilira Zapita
- Bill Cork
- Reinder Bruinsma
To comment or question, click/tap here
