The Apocalypse of JohnThe Apocalypse of John

The Last Book of the CanonThe Last Book of the CanonRevelation brings the New Testament Revelation brings the New Testament

corpus to a fitting close.corpus to a fitting close.The author identifies himself as John (1:1, The author identifies himself as John (1:1,

4, 9; 22:8). Early Christian writers 4, 9; 22:8). Early Christian writers identified the author as the apostle John.identified the author as the apostle John.

The book was probably written during a The book was probably written during a period of persecution in the reign of the period of persecution in the reign of the emperor Domitian (81-96AD).emperor Domitian (81-96AD).

The book combines three literary genres – The book combines three literary genres – letter, prophecy, apocalyptic.letter, prophecy, apocalyptic.

Why Read RevelationWhy Read RevelationA part of ScriptureA part of ScripturePromise of blessing (Rev 1:3 & 22:7)Promise of blessing (Rev 1:3 & 22:7)Speaks much of exalted ChristSpeaks much of exalted ChristSpeaks of God’s victory and the triumph of Speaks of God’s victory and the triumph of

goodgoodVery influential in Christian church & worldVery influential in Christian church & worldA fitting close to New TestamentA fitting close to New TestamentTies up themes introduced in GenesisTies up themes introduced in Genesis

Introductory RemarksIntroductory RemarksGenre – Apocalypse, Prophecy, LetterGenre – Apocalypse, Prophecy, LetterRev 1:1 – “to show by signs”Rev 1:1 – “to show by signs”Language & Imagery depict events not Language & Imagery depict events not

easily understoodeasily understoodFrequent references to the Old TestamentFrequent references to the Old TestamentCultural and Political Background importantCultural and Political Background important

Roman Imperial CultRoman Imperial CultJudgement a major themeJudgement a major themeConsidered Bloodthirsty, difficult => Considered Bloodthirsty, difficult =>

Negative PressNegative Press

Occasion of RevelationOccasion of Revelation

The early Christians’ refusal to participate The early Christians’ refusal to participate in the cult of the emperor (who was in the cult of the emperor (who was

acclaimed “lord” and “saviour”) was putting acclaimed “lord” and “saviour”) was putting them on a collision course with the state; them on a collision course with the state; John saw prophetically that it would get John saw prophetically that it would get worse before it got better and that the worse before it got better and that the

churches were poorly prepared for what churches were poorly prepared for what was about to take place, so he writes both was about to take place, so he writes both

to warn and encourage them.to warn and encourage them.

Purpose of RevelationPurpose of RevelationTo communicate a vision from ChristTo communicate a vision from ChristTo give support to persecuted ChristiansTo give support to persecuted ChristiansTo correct problems within the churchesTo correct problems within the churchesTo encourage fervent discipleshipTo encourage fervent discipleshipTo provide an apologetic for ChristianityTo provide an apologetic for ChristianityTo give a strategy to overcome the EmpireTo give a strategy to overcome the EmpireTo give a Christian understanding of historyTo give a Christian understanding of historyTo develop understanding of the Christian To develop understanding of the Christian

hope and destinyhope and destiny

Revelation as ApocalypticRevelation as ApocalypticA lost genre today, Apocalyptic literature was A lost genre today, Apocalyptic literature was

common in exilic and NT times – common in exilic and NT times – “Among the “Among the communities of the marginal, … apocalyptic is communities of the marginal, … apocalyptic is a rhetorical act of power ”a rhetorical act of power ” (Brueggemann). (Brueggemann).

Apocalyptic passages are found in Daniel, Apocalyptic passages are found in Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Mark 13, 1& 2 ThessaloniansEzekiel, Isaiah, Mark 13, 1& 2 Thessalonians

Non-canonical apocalyptic writings include the Non-canonical apocalyptic writings include the Assumption of Moses, 1-2-3 Enoch, 2-3 Assumption of Moses, 1-2-3 Enoch, 2-3 Baruch, 4 Ezra, the Apocalypses of Peter and Baruch, 4 Ezra, the Apocalypses of Peter and Thomas, the Ascension of Isaiah.Thomas, the Ascension of Isaiah.

Characteristics of ApocalypticCharacteristics of ApocalypticRevelation of the secret things of God, Revelation of the secret things of God,

inaccessible to normal human knowledge. inaccessible to normal human knowledge. Secrets of nature, of heaven, of history, of Secrets of nature, of heaven, of history, of the end.the end.

Usually pseudonymous. The real author Usually pseudonymous. The real author writes in someone else’s name, such as writes in someone else’s name, such as Enoch or Ezra.Enoch or Ezra.

Written in oppression, persecution and Written in oppression, persecution and despair despair

Often includes heavenly intermediariesOften includes heavenly intermediaries

Characteristics of ApocalypticCharacteristics of ApocalypticStrong dualism – good & evil, present & Strong dualism – good & evil, present &

futurefuturePessimism about (change in) the present evil Pessimism about (change in) the present evil

age; only divine intervention can bring hope age; only divine intervention can bring hope Filled with Symbolism, often bizarre, Filled with Symbolism, often bizarre,

denoting historical movements or events.denoting historical movements or events.Determinism portraying an inescapable Determinism portraying an inescapable

future, generally a cosmic cataclysm that will future, generally a cosmic cataclysm that will establish God’s rule.establish God’s rule.

History rewritten as prophecy. Events are History rewritten as prophecy. Events are seen as prophesied “long before”seen as prophesied “long before”

The Current Relevance of The Current Relevance of ApocalypticApocalyptic

Not just for ChristiansNot just for ChristiansMany exist as “exiled, displaced people”Many exist as “exiled, displaced people”Hope in hard times – economic downturn, Hope in hard times – economic downturn,

unemploymentunemploymentThe danger of being assimilated by the The danger of being assimilated by the

empire’s systemempire’s systemA cry for certainty, hope and positive A cry for certainty, hope and positive

answers – “a backlash against answers – “a backlash against postmodernism”? postmodernism”?

The Themes of RevelationThe Themes of Revelation

GodGodWorshipWorshipLambLambVisionsVisionsTheophanyTheophanySpiritual warfareSpiritual warfareWitness and MartyrdomWitness and MartyrdomReward and PunishmentReward and Punishment

““Other” ThemesOther” Themes

A “Messiah” SaviourA “Messiah” SaviourEnd of the WorldEnd of the WorldJudgment is comingJudgment is comingGood verses evilGood verses evilArmageddonArmageddonAntichrist – 666Antichrist – 666Riders of the ApocalypseRiders of the ApocalypsePost-Apocalypse hopePost-Apocalypse hope

Structure of RevelationStructure of Revelation Prologue (1:1-20) Prologue (1:1-20) The Letters to the Churches (2:1-3:22)The Letters to the Churches (2:1-3:22) A Vision of Heaven (4:1-5:14)A Vision of Heaven (4:1-5:14) The Seven Seals (5:1-8:1)The Seven Seals (5:1-8:1) The Seven Trumpets (8:2-11:19) The Seven Trumpets (8:2-11:19) Conflict between the Church and Evil Powers: Conflict between the Church and Evil Powers:

Seven Significant Signs (12:1-14:20)Seven Significant Signs (12:1-14:20) The Seven Last Plagues 15:1-16:21)The Seven Last Plagues 15:1-16:21) The Triumph of Almighty God (17:1-20:15)The Triumph of Almighty God (17:1-20:15) A New Heaven and a New Earth (21:1-22:5)A New Heaven and a New Earth (21:1-22:5) Epilogue (22:6-21)Epilogue (22:6-21)

Challenges of RevelationChallenges of Revelation InterpretationInterpretation Millennial perspectives – pre-, post-, a-, Millennial perspectives – pre-, post-, a-,

dispensational millennialismdispensational millennialism Preterist, Historicist, Futurist, IdealistPreterist, Historicist, Futurist, IdealistCultural DistasteCultural Distaste Themes of JudgmentThemes of Judgment Heaven and HellHeaven and Hell ExclusivismExclusivism

Main Schools of InterpretationMain Schools of InterpretationPreteristPreterist

Interpretation in view of the past. The book Interpretation in view of the past. The book is to be seen against the background of is to be seen against the background of contemporary apocalypses. These arose contemporary apocalypses. These arose out of times of stress. The emphasis, out of times of stress. The emphasis, therefore, falls on the actual historical therefore, falls on the actual historical situation of the readers. The Beast is the situation of the readers. The Beast is the Roman Empire etc. On this view the Book Roman Empire etc. On this view the Book of Revelation is a tract for the times to of Revelation is a tract for the times to show that the kingdom is coming. It has no show that the kingdom is coming. It has no room for the prophetic.room for the prophetic.

Main Schools of InterpretationMain Schools of Interpretation HistoricistHistoricist

This views the whole book as prophetic This views the whole book as prophetic of church history. Under one version of of church history. Under one version of this view (particularly strong in the this view (particularly strong in the period of the Reformation) the Beast is period of the Reformation) the Beast is equated with the papacy.equated with the papacy.

Idealist or SymbolicIdealist or SymbolicThe imagery conveys spiritual lessons. The The imagery conveys spiritual lessons. The

book is an assurance of God’s final triumph book is an assurance of God’s final triumph without tying imagery to actual events. It without tying imagery to actual events. It provides a philosophy of history. provides a philosophy of history.

Main Schools of InterpretationMain Schools of Interpretation Futurist - Extreme and ModerateFuturist - Extreme and Moderate

Extreme Futurist (Dispensational).Extreme Futurist (Dispensational). Revelation is fitted into Revelation is fitted into a double dispensation of church and Israel. The great a double dispensation of church and Israel. The great Tribulation is a sign to Israel not the church. The Rapture Tribulation is a sign to Israel not the church. The Rapture will precede the Tribulation. The 24 elders represent the will precede the Tribulation. The 24 elders represent the church and the 144000 are Jews. The Beast is the church and the 144000 are Jews. The Beast is the restored Roman Emperor and the conflict in the restored Roman Emperor and the conflict in the Apocalypse is between Israel and the Antichrist. The Apocalypse is between Israel and the Antichrist. The seven churches represent the successive ages in the seven churches represent the successive ages in the history of the church.history of the church.

Moderate or Reserved Futurist. Moderate or Reserved Futurist. This view does not see This view does not see the seals, trumpets and bowls as successive events but the seals, trumpets and bowls as successive events but parallel. They describe the same events from different parallel. They describe the same events from different angles. The seals introduce the beginning of the end. “In angles. The seals introduce the beginning of the end. “In the breaking of the seals …”. The churches are the breaking of the seals …”. The churches are representative of the church and the bowls represent representative of the church and the bowls represent restraining forces. Revelation 1-6 refers to the historic restraining forces. Revelation 1-6 refers to the historic church and the rest of the book to the future.church and the rest of the book to the future.

An interpretive frameworkAn interpretive frameworkMust be seen, in first instance, as first Must be seen, in first instance, as first

readers would have read it (preterist)readers would have read it (preterist)But, there are passages that are a pre-But, there are passages that are a pre-

figurement of what is still future (futurist).figurement of what is still future (futurist).Prepares first century Christians for first Prepares first century Christians for first

century events, but in so doing does so for century events, but in so doing does so for future generations as well.future generations as well.

But, also elements of a philosophy of But, also elements of a philosophy of history approach.history approach.

The MillenniumThe MillenniumLit, a 1000 year period.Lit, a 1000 year period.Revelation 20:1-10Revelation 20:1-10Literal or Spiritual?Literal or Spiritual?On earth or in heaven?On earth or in heaven?Main viewMain view

Premillennial – historic & dispensationalPremillennial – historic & dispensationalPostmillennialPostmillennialAmillennialAmillennial

The MillenniumThe Millennium Historic PremillennialismHistoric Premillennialism

Things get worse and worse. Jesus returns and reigns on Things get worse and worse. Jesus returns and reigns on earth for 1000 years. Devil released for final battle. New earth for 1000 years. Devil released for final battle. New universe.universe.

Dispensational PremillennialismDispensational Premillennialism As above, but Christ comes in two phases. Millennium on As above, but Christ comes in two phases. Millennium on

earth for Jewsearth for Jews

PostmillennialismPostmillennialism Things get better through the preaching of the Gospel. Things get better through the preaching of the Gospel.

Golden age for 1000 years before Jesus returnsGolden age for 1000 years before Jesus returns

AmillennialismAmillennialism Symbolic binding of Satan following Calvary.Symbolic binding of Satan following Calvary.

The New OrderThe New OrderTriumph of the Lamb Triumph of the Lamb

Rev 5:12,13; 7:17; 12:11; 17:14Rev 5:12,13; 7:17; 12:11; 17:14The New CreationThe New Creation

Rev 21:1-8; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Romans 8:18-23Rev 21:1-8; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Romans 8:18-23The New JerusalemThe New Jerusalem

Revelation 21:2, 3, 9-27Revelation 21:2, 3, 9-27Paradise RestoredParadise Restored

Gen 2:8-10; 3:22-24; Revelation 22:1-5, 14Gen 2:8-10; 3:22-24; Revelation 22:1-5, 14

Christian ResponsesChristian ResponsesGenerally from a pre-tribulation rapture Generally from a pre-tribulation rapture

perspective.perspective.Often used “evangelistically” with a “scare Often used “evangelistically” with a “scare

them into the kingdom” mentalitythem into the kingdom” mentalityExamples include the popular (in the US at Examples include the popular (in the US at

least) least) Left Behind SeriesLeft Behind Series which replace which replace earlier movies like Thief in the Nightearlier movies like Thief in the Night

Apocalypse starring Richard Harris is a Apocalypse starring Richard Harris is a saner response, if dated and less dramaticsaner response, if dated and less dramatic

Opportunities for balanced theological workOpportunities for balanced theological work

The Current Relevance of The Current Relevance of ApocalypticApocalyptic

Not just for ChristiansNot just for ChristiansMany exist as “exiled, displaced people”Many exist as “exiled, displaced people”Hope in hard times – economic downturn, Hope in hard times – economic downturn,

unemploymentunemploymentThe danger of being assimilated by the The danger of being assimilated by the

empire’s systemempire’s systemA cry for certainty, hope and positive A cry for certainty, hope and positive

answers – “a backlash against answers – “a backlash against postmodernism”? postmodernism”?

““Amen. Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus.”Come, Lord Jesus.”