The Apocrypha: Witness Between the Testaments

by David A. deSilva

In this course, distinguished scholar Dr. David deSilva provides you with a general introduction to the Old Testament Apocrypha. Become familiar with the background and content of books such as 1–4 Maccabees, Judith, Baruch, the Wisdom of Solomon, and more. Understand how these writings influenced the writers of the New Testament and the early church, and how they provide us with valuable insight into the Judaism of the time of Christ.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Theology

ebook

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

David A. deSilva (PhD, Emory University) is Trustees’ Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. His numerous books include Introducing the Apocrypha and An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Formation.

Reviews

[Adam Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

A generally helpful introduction to the Apocrypha with some interesting insights for why the study of the Apocrypha is important for the Church today. deSilva takes the Apocrypha to be a lesser authority than the canonical Scriptures, but argues that it is extremely helpful for understanding both the NT (though I disagree that Paul or Jesus had any apocryphal traditions *in mind* when they spoke or wrote). His case is well made, and I will have to pay more attention to this body of works in the future.