Revelation Introduction

TYPES OF BIBLICAL LITERATURE Gospel - Theological teaching from a historical setting from Christ’s life. History - A narrative of historical events with theological purpose. Letters - Writings in letter form to individuals and churches for teaching, edification, and encouragement. Proverbs - Wise and practical saying to convey practical spiritual truths.

TYPES OF BIBLICAL LITERATURE Poetry - Poem and songs used to teach God’s will. Prophetic - Speaking forth God’s message for the encouragement, exhortation, and correction of the people with occasional future events being referred to. Apocalyptic - Apocalyptic literature is prophetic writing in highly symbolic language with grand visions and looking primarily toward future events.

BIBLICAL LITERATURE APOCALYPTIC Apocalyptic - Apocalyptic literature is prophetic writing in highly symbolic language with grand visions and looking primarily toward future events. Three distinctive elements of apocalyptic literature: 1. Highly symbolic language 2. Grand visions 3. Primarily looking toward the future

BIBLICAL LITERATURE PROPHETIC Prophetic literature - Speaking forth God’s message for the encouragement, exhortation, and correction of the people with occasional future events being referred to. Elements of prophetic literature: 1. Primarily speaking forth God’s word 2. Present oriented with future consequences 3. Not highly symbolic

BIBLICAL LITERATURE PROPHETIC vs. APOCALYPTIC Similarities: Both can be predictive Both refer to the Messiah Both can reveal God’s will to the recipients Both are inspired In both God is sovereign

BIBLICAL LITERATURE PROPHETIC vs. APOCALYPTIC Differences: Apocalyptic is more predictive (Foretelling) Prophetic is more forth-telling Apocalyptic more symbolic in language Prophetic is occasionally symbolic Visions are described vividly Prophetic can be based on visions but not often described

PURPOSE OF APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE BIBLICAL LITERATURE PURPOSE OF APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE Depict the awesomeness & power of God Encourage the believers while pointing to God’s presence with them Hiding the meaning from the persecutors