Notes on Revelation

Introduction

by Jeff Smelser


Contents of this Page

  1. Place & Circumstances
  2. Language of Apocalyptic Literature
  3. Message of Apocalyptic Scriptures


  1. The place and circumstances in which John saw the visions
    • Locate Patmos on a map
    • The commonly held belief that John was an exile on Patmos is based upon the following:
      • the use of διά in 1:9; cf. 6:9 & 20:4
      • the fact that John identified himself as a "partaker with you in the tribulation."
      • strong support from early tradition.
      • exile (under Domitian) was an existing practice.

  2. The language of Revelation was not unprecedented; the symbolism was not new, nor is a unique system of interpretation required.
    • "Revelation" (1:1) = ἀποκάλυψις (apokalupsis; cf. apocalypse)
      • 1 Cor. 14:6, 26
      • for the revelation of the mystery, i.e., the gospel Ro. 16:23, Eph. 3:3
      • for the revelation of Jesus and those who are his at his coming - Ro. 8:9, 1 Cor. 1:7.
      • of God's judgment Rom. 2:3
      • Cf. I Sam. 20:30 (LXX). Verb is used for uncover in Leviticus 18.
      • ἀπό = (away) from & καλύπτω = cover
    • Revelation is typical of so-called "Apocalyptic Literature".
      • characteristic traits include the following:
      • Ezekiel Daniel Joel Zechariah Matt.24
        Visions 1:1 7:1, 8:1 1:8
        Panoramic View of History with Emphasis on Catastrophic End of Present 37:1 -39:29 7:1-28 3:9-17,

        2:18-20

        14:1-9 24:4-31
        Elaborate Symbolism (including use of animals) 1:10 7:2-8,

        8:1-14

        2:2,4,

        2:10-11

        1:8 24:28-29
        Numerology 1:6 7:25,8:14 1:18
      • Apocalyptic literature was so popular that uninspired writings were produced imitating the style. These were always pseudonymous.
      • Thus Christians of the first century would have recognized the type of literature represented by Revelation. (Contrast the interpretation of Rev. 14:20 by modem Dispensationalists: They suppose the text describes a literal military conflict that will take place in Palestine which will result in so much bloodshed that the land will actually be flooded with blood to a depth equivalent to a horse's bridle.)
      • The key to understanding the book is not so much a familiarity with Roman history as it is a familiarity with scripture.

  3. The message of apocalyptic scriptures.
    • The chart below shows how apocalyptic scriptures portray time with a focus on coming judgment:
    • Present Evil Age

      Catastrophe (wicked judged & righteous delivered)

      Future "Golden Age"

      Ezekiel 1-32 33-39 40-48
      Daniel 7:1-8 (7:23-25) 7:9-12 (7:26) 7:13-14 (7:27)
      Joel 2:1-17 2:18-20 2:19-29
    • So also, Revelation follows this pattern.
    • Specifically, compare Ezek. 38-39, Joel 3, Dan. 2 & 7 with Revelation.


Diktuon

Notes on chapter 1