The Lost Letters of Pergamum written by Bruce W. Longenecker is a fictional narrative of the final year of Antipas’ life. Antipas is a man mentioned in Revelation 2:13, as a faithful servant. He spent the last year of his life getting to know the Lord, and died by martyr. Longenecker creates historically fictional letters between Antipas, Calpurnius, and Luke. The message Longenecker tries to give is what it was like in ancient Rome as a Christian. The reader gets insight of what it was like to be an early Christian. The message engages and teaches the mind what might have happened in the new testament world. Although the story is historical fiction, it gives a very good idea as to how events in Pergamum may have happened. Antipas, nobleman of…show more content… As the letters continue, Antipas progresses to investigate about this man named Christ. He asks Luke to explain the meaning of the different words used in his two volume monograph, including the “Son of Man.” Luke responds with the meaning of “Son of Man” and other words mentioned in his monographs. Antipas begins to attend regularly and brings both his servant and Rufinus into the home of Christians where they are emboldened to act on what they heard. Even though Rufinus attends the meetings, he unconditionally disagrees with the teachings of this peasant man from Nazareth who should be apotheosized as Lord in lieu of the gods of Rome and the emperor. Antipas is overcome by the Christians’ love for one another, the deep family-like bond they possess, and their amiability. the new renovations to the temple Asklepion and the library in Pergamum need help being oversaught so Antipas is asked to help. At these gatherings, he slowly became accustomed to the beliefs and ideas. Antipas becomes closely akin to these Christians, notably a girl named Nouna, who is being kept by Demetrius and Diotis. Antipas sees other Christian people living out their faith before him when he and
