Oklahoma City Museum of Art to launch world-renowned Bible scholars' series Tuesday in conjunction with "Passages"

An extraordinarily rare and fabulously illustrated, painted and gilded early edition of Martin Luther's famous September Testament dates back to 1524. The woodcuts series that accompany the Revelation provide a vivid and literal perspective on the meaning of the text. The lavish copy was doubtless commissioned by a member of the nobility close to Luther and is included in the "Passages" exhibit. (Photo provided by The Green Collection)

Visitors to the “Passages” exhibition at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art will have a unique opportunity to learn about new biblical research findings and insights on historical Bible translations beginning Tuesday. The “Passages” Speakers’ Series will bring acclaimed biblical scholars from around the world to Oklahoma City weekly through October — and it is free and open to the public.

“While movies like National Treasure, The Da Vinci Code and Indiana Jones tell of quests for fictional treasures, the real-life treasure hunters of the Green Scholars Initiative are uncovering new scientific mysteries in ancient biblical texts and manuscripts,” said Dr. Jerry Pattengale, who directs the initiative, in a news release. “The public will now get the rare opportunity to hear directly from these world-class experts at no cost.”

The Passages Speakers’ Series debuts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the museum’s Noble Theater with guest lecturer Dr. David Lyle Jeffrey of Baylor University talking about “Beyond the Renaissance: Critical Texts and Bible Translation.” It will continue most Tuesdays through the exhibit’s run at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

“Passages” is the nonsectarian, worldwide traveling exhibition of The Green Collection, among the world’s newest and largest private collections of rare biblical manuscripts and artifacts. The collection is named for the Green family, founder-owners of Oklahoma City-based arts and crafts retailer Hobby Lobby.

“Passages” is making its world premiere at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art through Oct. 16 and then will travel to Vatican City and New York City.