Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature

What is it? Comes from Greek word apokalupto meaning “to reveal.” Uses symbolic language and imagery to reveal God’s mysterious plans. Characteristics – Expects inbreaking of God to the present age to usher in a different age. – Uses angelic mediators to convey message – Often a human recipient of msg will “journey” to the heavenly realms – High symbolic visions and dreams – Visions of final, divine judgment and warnings – Encouragement to persevere through suffering

Views of the End Times Both Daniel and Revelation recount current events and then move to future visions. Thus, a combo of historical and future/prophetic events. Historicist – Views Rev. as a blueprint of the entire span of church history where portions describe past while other look to future. Preterist – When written, some of Rev was forward looking, but now almost all events have taken place, mostly in the 1 st century.

Views of the End Times Idealist – Sees Rev. describing spiritual realities that reoccur throughout history until the final consummation. Therefore, we should not read into the text specific rulers or events to correspond to the beasts and symbols in the text. Many historical events correspond to these same symbols. Futurist – Majority of Rev. applies to future end time events directly prior to Christ’s return. Or a combo of these views.

Interpretation Guidelines Revelation quotes the OT regularly, so these OT passages help us with background (Isa 24-27; Ezek ; Zech 1-6; Daniel 7-12). Of 405 verses in Rev., 278 allude to the OT. Read the book from perspective of the original audience (Esp. churches addressed in ch 1-3) Do not take symbolic images literally. Eg. Walls of unimaginable thickness in Rev. 21:17. Not meant to be read strictly chronologically. Jesus’ birth not mentioned until Rev 12. Sequences of various judgments are nearly identical (6:12; 11:19; 16:18) Serve to emphasize the certainty of the event.