Revelation
A critical analysis of the
philosophical, political, religious,
ethical, and social influences of the
text.
Historical Overview
• John is in exile on the
Island of Patmos
assumed to be the apostle
because no other Christian
leader was more
associated with the Asian
churches.
• Written in a time of severe
persecution of Christians
under Nero (AD 54-68) or
Domitian (AD 81-96).
In Gk., revelation
means “apocalypse,”
which suggests the
unveiling of Christ.
•
On July, 19th, 64 CE, a fire started in
Rome and burned for nine days, finally
destroying or damaging almost threequarters of the city, including numerous
public buildings. Rumors spread that the
fire had been planned by Nero. And
according to Tacitus, to put an end to such
rumors, Nero creatred a diversion by
torturing and executing Christians.
•
"Mockery of every sort was added to their
deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts,
they were torn by dogs and perished, or
were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to
the flames. These served to illuminate the
night when daylight failed. Nero had
thrown open the gardens for the spectacle,
and was exhibiting a show in the circus,
while he mingled with the people in the
dress of a charioteer or drove about in a
chariot. Hence, even for crimnals who
deserved extreme and examplary
punishment there arose a feeling of
compassion; for it was not, as it seemed,
for the public good, but glut one man's
cruelty, that they were being punished."
•
Tacitus' Account of Nero's Persecution of
Christians. Annals 15.44.2-8 (source:
http://www.courses.drew.edu/sp2000/BIBS
T189.001/Tacitus.html)
Nero’s
Persecution
Apocalyptic Literature
•
Flourished during periods of foreign domination, beginning with the Babylonian
exile (cf. Daniel and Ezekiel)
•
After the second Jewish revolt against Rome in AD 135, this form of literature
began to decline, and eventually ceased after the 4th century
•
Main characteristics:
1.
Claim to have been written by Biblical characters
2.
Known by its use of vision and symbolism (often narrated or interpreted by
an angelic figure); many patterns, numbers, symbols
3.
Focused side by side on the movement of world history, especially related to
the Jewish people and the coming Messiah
•
4.
Not just predicting the future, but fitting its development into a
theological framework, that typically climaxed in messianic
intervention on behalf of God
Often dualistic (God v.Satan) and deterministic (history is determined in
advance moving toward God’s ultimate victory)
Literary Form
• John refers to himself as a prophet and to this
work as a piece of prophesy (1:2; 22:10,19)
• Also has some features of a letter, or epistle (I.e.,
the greeting)
• Overall instructional tone, designed to be read
aloud in worship (1:3,11; 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22)
• Over 500 allusions to OT, so perhaps key to
unlocking meaning lies in understanding the OT.
• Particularly distinguished by its use of hymns
• Heavenly choruses of praise and worship are
interspersed with visions, symbols, prophesy,
sermonic exhortations, Scripture citations,
narrative, prayer, and dialogue
Structure
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
Introduction (1:1-8)
John’s Vision (1:9-20)
The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
God’s Sovereignty (4:1-5:14)
The Seven Seals (6:1-8:5)
The Seven Trumpets (8:6-11:19)
The Dragon’s Persecution (12:1-13:18)
A Summary (14:1-20)
The Seven Cups (15:1-16:21)
Fall of Babylon (17:1-18:24)
Revelation of the Lamb (19:1-22:5)
Conclusion (22:6-21)
Theology/Theme
•
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Based on apostolic theology (the core religious
doctrines taught by the apostles)
Events accomplished by God are done in
fulfillment of the Scriptures
Jesus died and resurrected for salvation of the
world
This same Jesus is now exalted and sits at the right
hand of God
Faith in him is foundation of salvation
God’s Spirit is poured out on his believers
Believers are to fellowship and participate in
worship and instruction
Jesus will come again to judge the living and the
dead
Views of Revelation
• Futurist: A Blueprint of
End Times.
• Historicist: The Road
Map of World [or
Church] History
• Preterist: The First
Century Church
• Idealist: Eternal
Principles
Sources
•Holman’s Concise Bible Dictionary
•Internet image searches on
www.google.com