The Lost Letters of Pergamum: A Story from the New Testament World - Softcover

Bruce W. Longenecker; Ben Witherington

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801026075 ISBN 13: 9780801026072

Publisher: Baker Academic, 2002

Synopsis

Transported two thousand years into the past, readers are introduced to Antipas, a Roman civic leader who has encountered the writings of the biblical author Luke. Luke's history sparks Antipas's interest, and they begin corresponding. As Antipas tells Luke of his reactions to the writing and of his meetings with local Christians, it becomes evident that he is changing his mind about them and Jesus. Finally, a gladiatorial contest in Pergamum forces difficult decisions on the local Christians and on Antipas. While the account is fictional, the author is a respected biblical scholar who weaves into this fascinating scenario reliable historical information. Bruce Longenecker is able to mix fact and fiction and paint an interesting and valuable study of the New Testament world and early Christianity. Readers are invited to view Jesus and the early church from a fresh perspective, as his first followers are brought to life. More reliable than typical historical fiction and far more interesting than standard textbooks and reference books, The Lost Letters of Pergamum provides readers with a delightful opportunity to step into the world of the New Testament. Pastors, Bible study groups, and all thoughtful readers will enjoy this book, which one reviewer said he "couldn't put down. "

About this title

From the Author:

Read along with the audiobook. Find it here: amzn.to/2aCnXZK

From the Back Cover:

ìUsing the time-honored form of a collection of letters, Longenecker provides, by means of an informative and delightful fiction, a remarkably clear and accurate picture of Christian existence in the eastern Mediterranean world of the first century. One comes away from this bookóa ëhistorical novelí in the best senseóboth charmed and informed. It is a thoroughly delightful read, from which both beginners and experts will profit.î óPaul J. Achtemeier, emeritus, Union Theological Seminary in Virginia ìThrough the device of an extended correspondence between the evangelist Luke and Antipas, a resident of Pergamum, Bruce Longenecker brings early Christianity to life. The characters are vivid and believable, and they introduce the reader to a rich historical and cultural context. Those familiar with early Christianity will admire the imaginative way Longenecker builds on the best of modern scholarship, and those new to the field will learn a good deal as they eavesdrop on this conversation. This book is both a delight to read and a reliable guide to the beginnings of Christianity.î óFrederick J. Murphy, College of the Holy Cross ìLongeneckerís Letters present in a fascinating and compelling way the contexts of Second Temple Judaism and Greco-Roman urban life. And the narrative he weaves is not only believable but also engaging, both academically and personally. This untraditional presentation deserves a wide readership among all concerned more traditionally with the ethos of New Testament backgrounds.î óJoel B. Green, Asbury Theological Seminary ìThis book is a creative and enjoyable story that is true to much of what we know about early Christianity in its environment. The narrative both teaches and engages the imagination as to how events in late-first-century Pergamum might have happened.î óCarolyn Osiek, Catholic Theological Union Bruce Longenecker (Ph.D., University of Durham) is lecturer in New Testament Studies at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.

About this edition

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0801026075
• ISBN 13: 9780801026072
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192