4. Apocalyptic Literature
Lesson 2 – What Makes It Apocalyptic?

5. What Makes It Apocalyptic?
Do We Have Any Apocalyptic Style In Modern Time?
“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword: His truth is marching on.

6. The Battle Hymn of the Republic
Written by Julia Ward Howe.
She Used the Music From the Song John Brown’s Body, But Made It Famous With Her Lyrics.
The Song Was Published in Feb. 1862
The Song Is About the Civil War.
How Did Julia Ward Howe See This War.

7. Apocalyptic Literature Defined
“A story, written in a time of crisis and distress, that is given by otherworldly beings explaining how God will reverse everything so the righteous will triumph.” --Mark Roberts

8. Its a Story
Apocalyptic Writings Always Tell a Story, But In the Most Dramatic Way.
This Is Why They Were/Are So Popular. They are the Very Antithesis of Dry, Doctrinal Discourse (MR).

9. Written at a Time of Crisis
Because of This Crisis, Most of God’s People Were Depressed, Downtrodden, and Ready to Give Up.
The Crisis of Revelation – Rev. 6:9-10
The Roman Empire Was Persecuting Christians
Christians Were Crying Out For Justice…Right Now.

10. Written at a Time of Crisis
Most Apocalyptic Writings Were Created During the Intertestamental Period. Why?
Persecution and Hellenism
Antiochus Epiphanes
God’s People Needed Hope; Needed to Know God Was Doing Something.

11. Otherworldly Beings
Angels and Other Creatures Beyond This World Play Key Roles in the Story.
Rev. 5:1-2
Rev. 7:1

12. Otherworldly Beings
Daniel 7:3, 9, 13
Daniel 7:15
Daniel 8:15-16

13. The Symbols Come From the O.T.
Rev. 6:1 = The Lamb
Angels
Beasts
Cheribim
Horses of Different Colors
Falling Stars
Earthquakes

14. God Is Going to Do Something
The Story Explains How God Will Reverse the Crisis in the Near Future.
The Message to God’s People is Hang On, Don’t Give Up.
Rev. 6:11
Rome Is Going to Receive God’s Wrath.