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. "

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

Literature & Fiction

Bruce W. Longenecker

Ben Witherington

Genre Fiction

Baker Academic

A Fascinating Glimpse into the World of the New Testament 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. While the account is fictional, the author is a highly respected New Testament scholar who weaves reliable historical information into a fascinating story, offering a fresh, engaging, and creative way to learn about the New Testament world. The first edition has been widely used in the classroom (over 30,000 copies sold). This updated edition, now with improved readability and narrative flow, will bring the social and political world of Jesus and his first followers to life for many more students of the Bible.

Religion & Spirituality

Christian Books & Bibles

Combining historical, exegetical, and theological interests, Bruce Longenecker here dispels the widespread notion that Paul had little or no concern for the poor. Longnecker’s analysis of Greco-Roman poverty provides the backdrop for a compelling presentation of the importance of care for the poor within Paul’s theology and the Jesus-groups he had established. Along the way, Longenecker calls into question a variety of interpretive paradigms ― such as Steven J. Friesen’s 2004 poverty scale ― and offers a fresh vision in which Paul’s theological resources are shown to be both historically significant and theologically challenging.

Remember the Poor: Paul, Poverty, and the Greco-Roman World

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

This beautifully designed, full-color textbook introduces the Roman background of the New Testament by immersing students in the life and culture of the thriving first-century towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which act as showpieces of the world into which the early Christian movement was spreading. Bruce Longenecker, a leading scholar of the ancient world of the New Testament, discusses first-century artifacts in relation to the life stories of people from the Roman world. The book includes discussion questions, maps, and 175 color photographs. Additional resources are available through Textbook eSources.

In Stone and Story: Early Christianity in the Roman World

History

Ancient Civilizations

This extensive and detailed analysis compares Paul with the author of 4 Ezra against the background of Sanders's portrayal of early Judaism. 4 Ezra and Paul would seem to have one significant point in common: their common displacement from the covenantal 'pattern of religion' which was so prevalent in Early Judaism. It is from this perspective that Longenecker undertakes his comparison.

Eschatology and the Covenant: A Comparison of 4 Ezra and Romans 1-11 (Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement)

UNKNO

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 reliable historical information into this fascinating scenario. 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.

Las cartas perdidas de Pérgamo (Spanish Edition)

United States

Ediciones Sígueme, S.A.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Bruce W. Longenecker. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Bruce W. Longenecker

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Bruce W. Longenecker. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

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

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

Remember the Poor: Paul, Poverty, and the Greco-Roman World

In Stone and Story: Early Christianity in the Roman World

Eschatology and the Covenant: A Comparison of 4 Ezra and Romans 1-11 (Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement)

Las cartas perdidas de Pérgamo (Spanish Edition)