Lost Letters of Pergamum, The - Softcover

Longenecker, Bruce W.

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

Product Description:

The Lost Letters of Pergamum: a Story from the New Testament World "The Lost Letters of Pergamum" introduces readers to the style of New Testament writings and the social and political world of Jesus and his first followers. Using the literary technique of correspondence through ancient letters, Longenecker mixes fact and fiction to paint an interesting and informative picture of the New Testament world and early Christianity. Full description

From the Back Cover:

This fascinating story of a Roman citizen's spiritual transformation gives a reliable glimpse into the world of the New Testament and the early church. The second edition has been updated with improved readability and narrative flow.

Praise for the First Edition

"For a painless introduction to the historical context of early Christian life in Asia Minor, this is the book to get. . . . Longenecker uses the fictitious correspondence as a way of informing the modern reader about everyday life in these ancient times. He composes these letters with skill and helps bring alive--and with great historical accuracy--the conditions under which the earliest Christians lived their faith."
--Donald Senior, CP, The Bible Today

"The book will be particularly useful to those beginning NT studies and wanting to get into the NT world."
--David Wenham, Themelios

"Longenecker offers a creative avenue for exposing students to cultural and historical backgrounds of the New Testament. . . . [He] must be applauded for his well-written, historically 'true to life' story. . . . This book could be used nicely as a supplementary text for a college or seminary New Testament class."
--Robert L. Plummer, Southern Baptist Journal of Theology

"The importance of this book is the picture it provides of the first-century world of Asia Minor and the situation that many Christians there likely encountered. Longenecker presents a plausible and generally reliable picture of Greco-Roman society in Asia Minor at the end of the first century CE. The narrative format provides an entertaining read while offering informed insights into early Christianity and its environment. The book would work well as supplemental reading in a course on Revelation or early Christianity."
--Mitchell G. Reddish, Perspectives in Religious Studies

About this edition

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0801026075
• ISBN 13: 9780801026072
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192