The Revelation to John (Apocalypse)

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The Revelation to John(Apocalypse)
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Authorship

• Traditionally linked to John, the son of Zebadee,
  one of Jesus 12 disciples.
• Writing style is different from Gospel of John.
• John was a very common name.
• 2114 makes this seem unlikely
• Belongs in the Johannine corpus that includes the
  Gospel of John, The three Letters of John, and
  Revelation.
• Probably produced from the same group of people,
  but probably not the same author.
• The author is very familiar with the new churches
  and with the Hebrew scriptures.

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Time of composition

• There is internal evidence for two dates
• Before 70 CE (destruction of temple)
• 111-3 suggests the temple is still standing
• 1318 code name for the beast 666 was widely
  thought to symbolize Nero.
• After 70 CE
• 133, 179-11 These verses seem to allude to the
  legend of Neros return
• 148, 1619, etc. Use Babylon as a code name for
  Rome, which other evidence suggests didnt happen
  until after the temple destruction.
• Its possible that Revelation was composed in
  pieces and compiled later.

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Neros persecution of Christians (CE 64-68)
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Genre

• The Genre of apocalypse gets its name from the
  first verse of revelation, but it includes Daniel
  and parts of Ezekiel and some apocryphal
  literature as well.
• Its usually a first-person narrative account
  relating a vision about the future /or the
  heavenly realm.
• There is a sharp distinction between the present
  evil age and the imminent future age of blessing.
  
• Between the wicked majority and the righteous
  minority
• Between Satan and God
• After a period of intense conflict and great
  suffering, a divine (messianic) figure will
  intervene on behalf of the righteous.
• Jewish apocalypses often use much symbolism which
  is often somewhat bizarre.

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Apocalyptic Hope

• Many New Testament books contain strongly
  apocalyptic passages, but Revelation is the only
  NT book totally dedicated to this form.
• The present wicked age will get worse, then God
  will intervene and rule directly.
• There will be a new heaven and new earth (211)
• The vision is for a glorious completion of Gods
  creative work that began in Genesis.
• Jesus is no longer Marks suffering servant or
  Johns embodiment of divine wisdom.
• Jesus has been glorified and is now the
  conquering warrior-king. The messiah of popular
  expectation, who proves, without a doubt, his
  right to rule the earth. He doesnt teach or
  forgive, but inflicts wrathful punishment on his
  opponents (1911-21)

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Apocalyptic Tradition

• The style and symbols in Revelation are not new.
  They are mostly derived from Daniel and other
  Hebrew writings.
• Its symbols are deliberately mystifying, but
  come from already conventional apocalyptic
  discourse.
• Dragon
• Beast
• Serpent
• Celestial Woman

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Purpose

• The outside world is a hostile threat. Maintain
  strict separation from Greco-Roman society
• Christians are a tiny light almost swallowed up
  by the dark word dominated by idolatry,
  oppression, and the soulless pursuit of wealth
• Two threats
• Assimilation.
• Persecution.

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Organization
Sec Ch Contents
1 1 Prologue authors self-identification and authority
2 2-3 Jesus letters to the seven churches
3 4-11 Visions from heaven breaking seven seals on a scroll seven trumpets
4 12-16 Signs in heaven visions of the woman, the dragon, the beast, the Lamb, the seven plagues
5 17-18 Visions of the great whore and the fall of Babylon (Rome)
6 19-20 Visions of the warrior Messiah, the imprisonment of the beast and Satan, judgment of the dead, and the final defeat of evil
7 21-225 Visions of the new heaven and new earth descent of the heavenly Jerusalem to earth
8 226-21 Epilogue authenticity of the authors prophetic visions and the nearness of their fulfillment
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The Seven Churches of Revelation
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Apocalyptic imagery
Daniel 713-14 As I watched in the night
visions,I saw one like a human being   coming
with the clouds of heaven.And he came to the
Ancient One   and was presented before him. To
him was given dominion   and glory and
kingship,that all peoples, nations, and
languages   should serve him.His dominion is an
everlasting dominion   that shall not pass
away,and his kingship is one   that shall never
be destroyed.
Revelation 112-13 Then I turned to see whose
voice it was that spoke to me, and on turning I
saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of
the lampstands I saw one like the Son of Man,
clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash
across his chest.
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Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone
hears my voice and opens the door, I will come
in. (Rev 3 20)
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The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Rev 61-8)