The entries marked language treat the problem of language of Revelation, including the discussion whether Revelation was dependent on or used the Greek or Hebrew Old Testament. There are, of course, many philological or linguistic analyses in quite many studies on Revelation, but to qualify for inclusion, the works must concentrate on these topics, not [...]
From the monthly archives:
August 2007
The entries marked Genre refer to works that are a part of the very important, but complex discussion of the problem of genre. Among the most influential works are the ones by the SBL Apocalypse Group, published in Semeia 14 (1979) and 36 (1986).
The issue of symbolism in Revelation is one of the most complicated problems. It is often stated that consistency cannot be expected in an apocalyptic writing. Furthermore, there is considerable disagreement as to whether several texts should be understood “literally” or “symbolic”. Moreover, the proper context of the various symbols is often determined quite differently. [...]
There are relatively few studies of the relationship between Revelation and the rest of the NT. More research is called for. A lot of complicated issues are involved, such as dating, authorship, the origins of the New Testament writings, and methodology. It is disputed whether John makes use of other NT writings. There is, however, [...]
Revelation uses many Christological titles, such as ‘Christ’ and ‘one like a son of man’. Revelation also describes Christ in a number of ways that scholars have tried to isolate, describe and determine the background of. My own position is that the titles and imagery employed have their origins in the OT and in the [...]
Introduction The interpretation of the ‘thousand-year’ text in Revelation 20:1-10 (more precisely in verses 2-7) has lead to a flood of literature on this topic. The various views exist in many different versions, and there is hardly two substantial works that agree on all aspects. This ‘thousand-year’ problem is part of the larger issue of [...]
The topic Revelation and Ecclesiology deals with the theological discussions and definitions of the church, her organisation and her responsible leaders (pastor and/or bishops), and the vocabulary and concepts used.
Eschatology – the teaching on the Second coming of Christ, the temporary state of the dead (cf. Hill, Regnum caelorum), the resurrection of the dead, and the Last Judgment – plays a major role in the interpretation of Revelation, either positively as a specific and usually central topic or negatively in that it is denied [...]