The Bible and Beyond Discussions

Hosted by Dr. Shirley Paulson

The Bible and Beyond Discussions series invites scholars and curious learners to explore early Christian texts and ideas that go beyond traditional interpretations. These conversations open doors to fresh perspectives on ancient writings, their historical context, and their relevance today.

Upcoming Session: The Fate of the Apostles in the Gospel of Judas

Guest Scholar: Dr. Lance Jenott
Host: Dr. Shirley Paulson

Date: Monday, January 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM Eastern | 7:00 PM Central | 6:00 PM Mountain | 5:00 PM Pacific
Join via Zoom: Click Here to Access the Event
(If the link doesn’t work, copy and paste this into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82943341573?pwd=ZTM3clpPZC9LclV3MVBST1VrOGw4Q…)

Discussion Overview

The Gospel of Judas offers a provocative critique of Jesus’s disciples, portraying them as priests who mislead the faithful in worship of a false god—a sharp challenge to the orthodox doctrine of apostolic succession. But does this text reject the apostles entirely?

In its closing scene, the disciples express remorse and ask Jesus for cleansing. Could this suggest a more nuanced view—one that critiques their legacy as defined by the orthodox church while leaving room for their role as transmitters of Jesus’s unorthodox teaching?

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation as Dr. Lance Jenott, Biggs Classics Senior Lecturer, explores these questions with Dr. Shirley Paulson.

About Dr. Lance Jenott

Dr. Jenott specializes in the historical study of the New Testament, Christian origins, Second Temple Judaism, and religions of antiquity. He is the author of The Gospel of Judas (2011) and co-author of The Monastic Origins of the Nag Hammadi Codices (with Hugo Lundhaug, 2015). His Hermeneia Series commentary on the Gospel of Judas is forthcoming from Fortress Press.

Texts for Discussion

Click here to access the textual references prepared by Dr. Jenott.