LeStourgeon Online

Lost Letters of Pergamum

The Lost Letters of Pergamum is evidence that conservative Christian scholarship can indeed lead to quality art and literature. Christians are not barred from the use of the imagination for either instruction or enjoyment. Lost Letters is not for everyone, but it was a fun read for me and would be both edifying and enlightening for many others.

Noted New Testament scholar Bruce W. Longenecker draws upon his expertise of the 1st Century world to craft an imagined series of letters between Luke the gospel writer and the Antipas of Revelation 2:13. Through these letters, one gains a better appreciation for NT period letter writing, NT Roman historical background, the pax Romana cultural background of Early Christianity, and the excitement and struggles of early believers. Utilizing threads of secular history and biblical evidence, Longenecker has woven a credible and coherent narrative that very well could have happened.

The Lost Letters of Pergamum is not a fast paced nail biting work of fiction. It is measured and instructive. The plot device of a story told entirely through written correspondence is effective to heighten the ultimate tension of the book and lend to its believability as a work of antiquity. Along the way, Longenecker draws heavily from Witherington’s New Testament History and incorporates excerpts seamlessly into the letters. Readers who would never sit down with an academic book would nonetheless enjoy learning about the world of early Christianity through Longenecker’s literary experiment. This is the real strength of the book, along with the somewhat surprise ending (which I will not spoil here).

Those who enjoy reading, those who enjoy history, especially those who enjoy learning but not studying will find this work delightful. Longenecker is to be commended for his adaptation of literary devices to the field of NT education. My recommendation is to read the gospel of Luke as you read the book both to enjoy the work more as well as engage the gospel in a fresh way. The Lost Letters of Pergamum would be a great (and easy) read for pastors, bible study leaders, and interested laypersons.

Posted by blestou on August 14th, 2007 — Illustration, Review, Church Life, Ministry, Doctrine, Daily Life, Uncategorized