LOST LETTERS OF PERGAMUM

Anthony W. Alonso

New Testament Backgrounds



Prof Chris Woznicki

December 13th, 2018

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I have read this book in its entirety this semester for class.

This book begins by introducing two people through written letters corresponding

back and forth. That of Calpurnius and Antipas. Calpurnius shares Luke with Antipas and

how Antipas, being a lover of literature, would find Luke’s Gospel of worth and value

from a historical document depicting the life of Jesus. What transpires from this

introduction is a respect for Luke due to Antipas being able to look at a document of

historical importance from the author himself. However, throughout the correspondence,

Antipas begins seeing that this is not just an ordinary man being discovered but ends up

being the Creator God with whom Antipas would seal his belief in the truth of Luke’s

account with his life.

The letters that are shared back and forth between Antipas and Luke showcase the

belief system of religion during this time frame along with the shame and honor system.

Much of the culture and way of life is brought to life through these letters. Luke’s

historical account of Jesus, along with the radical living out of His teachings with the

people of Pergamum, and ultimately the opening of Antipas’ heart and eyes by the Holy

Spirit, leads Antipas to accept Jesus as who He really is, the Sovereign. This is depicted

through Antipas seeking out the Christians of Pergamum and befriending the unlikely

person whom he had inadvertently fired in years past. Their friendship began to break

down the social class system that Antipas was used to and how God used this to open

Antipas’ eyes to the flaws of the honor society filled with empty pomp and circumstance.

This revelation led to Antipas laying down his life for that of another and declaring Jesus

to be the God over all other gods.

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 Insight: The patience and grace given when sharing with someone about Jesus. There
are times when I want to try to lay everything out at once and this reminded me how
patience and taking it at the other persons pace can be very beneficial.

Life Principal: Seeing the different between the two home church groups reminds me of
how important it is to live out the Gospel versus just reading it and being in awe of it.

Insight: I was reminded again how powerful a group can be outside of a building
church setting. While there seemed to be order in the gathering, it was people not
sitting and staring at a screen looking forward but interacting, talking, sharing, eating,
and enjoying God.

Insight: Seeing the different cultures in the Shame/Honor context and how the Gospel
penetrated this was insightful and how it differs from our culture today in many ways.

Insight: I often think that the Gospel is more difficult today, but, reading this reminds
me how difficult the Gospel would be in this time with the elite class especially. It also
reminds me how necessary God’s work in salvation is.

Life Principal: People’s revelation can come slowly over time and God works through
people instantly through life circumstances or slowly over time. God is sovereign in
both aspects.

Insight: During this time, it was very difficult if not impossible, to change ones class
setting. Yet, the Gospel, if lived out, changes all.

Insight: The part about Zacchaeus from the toll collector brought to life this aspect of
the Luke’s Gospel in a much deeper level based on the society of the time.

Life Principal: When we neglect seeking the truth and fall into wrong understanding or
blending the world with God, we no longer look different from the world but another
aspect of the world. (Based on the Kalandion group)

Life Principal: When we give our lives for others, we become a part of their story. Their
pains become our pains, their joys, ours. The story of Simon reflects this with Antipas.

Life Principal: There comes a time when we must call people to a choice. They have
the information now it is time to ‘choose this day who you will serve.’

Longenecker, Bruce W. The Lost Letters of Pergamum. Grand Rapids, MI. Baker
Academic, 2003, 2016