Uni Bible Talks, Semester 2, 2012

The Last Judgment Michaelangelo Altar Wall of Sistine Chapel

Revealing…an Apocalypse! apokalupsis = revelation apocalypse = a genre of ancient writing 200 B.C. to 200 A.D. In response to persecution & oppression Arose out of the prophetic style of writing Draws from other sources (e.g. wisdom)

Typical features of an apocalypse  Visionary experience Rev 1:1-2, 9-11

Typical features of an apocalypse  Visionary experience Rev 1:1-2, 9-11  Angelic guide  Describes spiritual realities behind earthly realities Rev 4-5;  Extensive symbolism  Sharp distinction between present evil age now, & future age of hope then This is apocalyptic eschatology

Revelation is different  More than one genre Apocalypse, Prophecy, Letter  Cross-centred eschatology The defining moment of history is the death & resurrection of Jesus.

Tips for reading Revelation  Keep an eye on the structure

1Vision of Son of Man 2-37 Church Letters 4-5Throne & Lamb 6-77 Seals Trumpets / Several Signs Bowls of Plagues :10 Fall of Babylon 19 : :15 The Final Victory 21-22: 5 New Heaven & Earth 22 :6-21 Return of Jesus God’s Throne: Heaven God’s Throne: New Creation Unfolding Judgement & Salvation Jesus Among His Churches Jesus Returning for His Churches 5Sealed Scroll 6Seals 1-6 7Interlude: A Great Multitude 8:1-5Seal 7 & Trumpets Intro 8:6-9:21Trumpets :14Interlude: Scroll & Witnesses 11:15-19Trumpet 7 12Woman, Satan & Dragon 13Two Beasts 14Lamb, Angels, Harvest 16:17-21Bowl 7 starts Babylon’s Fall 19:6-10Marriage of Lamb ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫

Tips for reading Revelation  Keep an eye on the structure  Hear the echoes of the Old Testament  Avoid a simplistic connection to history  The gospel is the key to understanding Revelation

One like a son of man…