The Lost Letters of Pergamum: Book Review

Table of Contents

Introduction
Society
Antipas Transformation
Understanding the New Testament
Work Cited

Introduction

The Lost Letters of Pergamum is a collection of letters in which prominent people from the nobility and churches of the first century communicate and discuss various matters. In general, this book shows people writing letters about how Christianity gradually appeared and influenced the world around them. The plot describes the appearance of the first ideas of Christianity through persecution to recognition.

Society

In the first century world depicted in this book, society was divided into several layers. The desire for honor and patronage stood guard over the code of relations between patricians and plebeians. Therefore, Antipas, communicating with Luke and discussing Jesus of Nazareth, fears for his honor (Longenecker and Witherington 87). It seemed impossible to sacrifice social norms the way Jesus did, but it was this example that allowed looking differently at honor, reciprocity, and patronage. These categories are only a fraction of the total number of Antipas transformations. The influence of Christianity encroached on the pronounced segregation of society, in which the code of social honor was valued above all else. If Antipas first tries to ascribe more titles to himself, boasts of patronage, and promotes his city, he later moves away from this, increasingly showing love and care for the servants.

Antipas Transformation

Through the dynamics of the transformation of Antipas, it is clear that honor is not at all connected with the number of titles and positions in society. Moreover, reciprocity and patronage began to be expressed through love and not the condescension characteristic of representatives of the noble society. As a result, Antipas reaches sacrifices himself to save his brother, which confirms his belief in Christ.

First, a profound closeness to like-minded people in the houses of Calandion and Antony, later real Christian love awakens in Antipas, who increasingly understands the diametrical opposition of the society for which Jesus and the Roman society of the first century stood up. In addition, through Lukes stories about Pontius Pilate, the Pharisees, and the great fire in Rome, the personality of Christ is gradually revealed, which is why Antipas feels his increasing influence on himself (Longenecker and Witherington 59). These stories sounded new to the representatives of the Roman society of that time, built on old traditions, the reasons which were not so obvious. Christs actions are contrary to the code of honor and shame concerning sinners or tax collectors. In addition, Jesus was not always meek; he selfishly adhered to the principles of these anachronistic codes, which demonstrates his behavior in a society without culture.

Understanding the New Testament

The history and culture of the New Testament are presented here, not academically or religiously, which creates a sense of life. Styles, events, events, and even the communication style of the authors of letters better reveal their personalities. Imperial traditions collide with Christian teachings, and the reasons for the first persecutions, the development of Christianity, and the transformation of social thought become more apparent. The social code, which is often possible to lose humanity, mercy, and gratitude, goes into lawful oblivion. The imperial nobility, firmly holding on to such a foundation, is indignant, so there are reasons for the first persecutions. People who have gone through the transformation and are impressed by the new teaching no longer stop on their way because of shame, fear of losing privileges or title, or acquired property, but more value their kindred people. The New Testament with this book is now much better perceived as a real story with a hidden and very complex layer of problems.

The book quite vividly illuminates the events of the New Testament this format for many readers will be more familiar and accessible than the original. Perhaps not all of the letters in the book are important for revealing the characters, but the atmosphere of that time is conveyed perfectly. I would recommend this book to other readers who are partial to the history of Christianity to look at it from a rather unexpected and unpopular point of view.