The Lost Letters of Pergamum genre can be described as an epistolary novel loosely based on historical context. Longenecker claimed that his story explores “what might have happened during the final year in the life of a man named Antipas” and the “dynamics of friendship, goodness, virtue and honor” of the Roman world (11). Due to the selected literary form, Longenecker’s approach resulted in certain strengths and weaknesses.
Most importantly, the book’s arrangement allows showing the dynamic of Antipas’s character development vividly. In the first letter to Calpurnius, Antipas introduces himself as an entitled nobleman of “the blessed empire of Rome,” who firmly believes in the Roman order (18). Throughout Antipas’s correspondence with Luke, the reader can trace the progressing change in Antipas’s mindset. When Antipas makes his sacrifice, he openly rejects the Pax Romana; he also explains that Christian society recognizes honor as a “quality of all people” (175). Therefore, the reader understands how early Christians promoted their values in a hostile environment.
Another strong aspect of Lost Letters of Pergamum is a careful, attentive attitude to historical details. For instance, the description of gladiatorial contests in Pergamum where “108 gladiators had competed, with 42 deaths” helps to realize how violence was celebrated in Roman society (65). In addition, the Editor’s Postscript provides a breakdown of characters and events, which adds to the historical integrity of the book.
However, Longenecker’s narrative has a noticeable weakness in the storytelling area. For example, Luke tries to allay possible Antipas’s concerns by stating that “Nero found a convenient scapegoat in Christians” (41). It is hard to believe that someone would approach a powerful supporter of Roman rule by openly blaming a former Roman emperor for crimes. Nevertheless, the occasional problems with storytelling do not spoil the overall positive impression of the book.
Bibliography
Longenecker, Bruce W. The Lost Letters of Pergamum. A Story from the New Testament World: Baker Academic, 2016.