Literary Genre and Structure
Three different genres are apparent. First, Apocalypse (1:1)1 – a genre characterized by extensive symbolism, visions,
strong contrasts between this world and the world to come, and victory over
evil. Second, Prophecy (1:3) – combined with apocalyptic elements, it carries on the
tradition of OT books like Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah. Third, Epistle
(1:4) – with an opening address and greeting, it functions as a circular letter
to the seven churches of Asia (1:4-5, 9-11), including a specific message for
each one (2:1–3:22).2 “The complicated character of Revelation
therefore suggests that we should not place it neatly into one genre category.
Elements of prophecy, apocalypse, and letter are combined in a way that has no
close parallel in other literature” (D. A. Carson and D. J. Moo, An Introduction to the NT 716-17).
As for the structure of the book, Revelation
is logical in sequence rather than chronological. It begins and ends in
physical reality but includes a panoramic view of heaven and the future. The
introduction (chaps. 1–3) is followed by three series of concurrent judgments
(seals, trumpets, bowls) and depictions of worship in heaven (chaps. 4–16),
concluding with a declaration of triumph (chaps. 17–22).
Methods of Interpretation
1. The
Preterist View (lit. “that which has gone by”). This interpretation method holds
that everything in Revelation was fulfilled not long after it was written
(either at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70, or the legalization of
Christianity in 313, or the fall of Rome in 476). The problem with this view is
the great difficulty of interpreting some things in Revelation as having
already been fulfilled (e.g. 20:10-15; 21:4).
2. The
Futurist View. This perspective argues that most of Revelation has not yet
been fulfilled, interprets much of the symbolism literally, and is generally held
by those advocating the theory of premillennialism. Problems with this view
include the following. It literalizes symbols that were almost certainly
intended to represent other things (e.g. 7:4; 14:1; 20:4, 6). It fails to
appreciate the relevance the message needed to have for the Christians to whom
it was originally addressed (e.g. 2:1 ff.).4 It ignores the fact
that much of Revelation was to be fulfilled relatively soon after it was
written (cf. 1:1, 3; 22:6).
3. The
Idealist View. This view suggests that Revelation is not related to
specific historical events but merely symbolizes the general, ongoing struggle
between the Lord’s church and evil forces. The problem with this view is that
it overlooks Revelation’s claim that it does address actual historical events
and circumstances and prophecies to be fulfilled (e.g. 1:1-3, 19; 22:10-19).
4. The
Historical View. This interpretation argues that Revelation deals with
actual historical events, many of which were fulfilled by the time the Roman
Empire fell, but some of which are yet to be fulfilled in the future (e.g.
20:11 ff.). While each of the above interpretive philosophies has its merits,
the last one seems to be least problematic.
--Kevin L. Moore
Endnotes:
1 The opening
self-identification is: Apokalupsis Iēsou
Christou (“a revelation/apocalypse of Jesus Christ”). See B. M. Metzger, The NT: Its Background, Growth, and Content
302-303; C. R. Holladay, A Critical
Introduction to the NT 536-41.
2
Revelation is regarded as having an epistolary frame (see E. S. Fiorenza,
“Composition and Structure” 367-81; J. M. Lieu, “Grace to You and Peace”
172-73; J. L. White, “Saint Paul” 444).
3 See C. S. Keener, IVP Bible Background Commentary 759; B.
M. Metzger, Breaking the Code 11-19;
D. A. Carson and D. J. Moo, Introduction
to the NT 697-700; S. L. Harris, Understanding
the Bible [7th ed.] 519.
4 “Some prophecy teachers have
interpreted and reinterpreted Revelation according to the whims of changing
news headlines. But John’s images would
have meant something in particular to their readers …. Whatever else his words
may indicate, therefore, they must have been intelligible to his first-century
readers …” (C. S. Keener, IVP Bible
Background Commentary 760-61).
Related Posts: Introducing Revelation Part 1, Part 2
Image credit: http://irfanyang.com/2016/09/12/the-four-horsemen-of-the-apocalypse/
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