Between the Testaments

A discussion group introducing and exploring the biblical , led by Robert Beattie

7.30pm – 9.00pm on Tuesday evenings (online, by Zoom) Please reserve your place via the form on the Worcester Cathedral website: https://www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/worship/faith-spirituality/online-community-sessions or for any further information, please contact Robert Beattie: [email protected], or 07968290319

In some bibles we find a dozen or more books grouped together between the Old and New Testaments in a section named the ‘Apocrypha’. Some (not all) of these books form an ordinary part of Roman Catholic bibles, but it is only in Protestant bibles we find them grouped together thus. Occasionally we have readings from them in cathedral services; but they remain unfamiliar, even downright mysterious, to many who otherwise know their bible well. Where do they come from? What light can they shine on the histories of Israel and the Church, or on the rest of the bible? What can they teach us today? In this group we can discuss these questions, and familiarise ourselves with these books of the Apocrypha through selected excerpts from each.

In a final session we may also explore a few early Christian writings which have sought to supplement the , and so are known by (questionable) analogy as — but these you are most unlikely to find in your bible!

Week 1 — Tuesday 11th May Week 4 — Tuesday 8th June Additions and Alternatives In Search of Wisdom The Rest of the Book of Esther Ecclesiasticus, or The Wisdom The First Book of Esdras of Jesus the Son of The Prayer of Manasseh The Wisdom of Solomon Psalm 151 Baruch the Prophet, with the of Jeremiah Week 2 — Tuesday 18th May The Tales (mostly) of the Diaspora Week 5 — Tuesday 15th June The Book of Tobit Secrets Revealed The Book of Judith The Prayer of Azariah and the The Second Book of Esdras Song of the Three Young Men The Second Book of Baruch The Story of Susanna The First The History of the Destruction The Book of Jubilees of Bel and the Dragon Week 6 — Tuesday 22nd June Week 3 — Tuesday 25th May New Testament “Apocrypha” Israel’s History: the Missing Years The The First Book of the Maccabees The and Thekla The Second Book of the Maccabees The Epistle to the Laodiceans The Third Book of the Maccabees The Epistle of The Fourth Book of the Maccabees The of Peter