We are also far removed from the historical and cultural context of the times which would make the symbolism easier to understand. Our difficulty with this book is due to our unfamiliarity with apocalyptic literature as a method of communicating a message. The listeners were expected to understand enough to be blessed by what they heard. This verse suggests a setting in which one is reading while others listen. "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it for the time is near." ( Rev 1:3) In fact, I believe the book was originally intended to be understood by a casual hearing, as implied by the opening beatitude: They were living at a time when the symbols of the book were likely familiar to them (similar to how a picture of a donkey fighting an elephant would be understood by us as depicting conflict between the Democratic and Republican parties). They were well acquainted with the style of apocalyptic literature. THE DIFFICULTY IN UNDERSTANDING THE BOOK: The early church likely did not have the problem understanding the book we do today. In the New Testament, Matthew 24 contains apocalyptic elements. In the Old Testament, for example, the books of Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah each contain elements of this style of writing. There are other examples of apocalyptic literature in the Bible. It was normally written in times of persecution, usually depicting the conflict between good and evil. Features of apocalyptic literature include the use of highly symbolic or figurative language (cf. As such, it was a type of literature well known to the Jews and Christians of the first century church. It is an example of what is called "apocalyptic literature" which was quite popular from 200 B.C. Part of the challenge in understanding the book is that it is written in a style not familiar to modern man. But it was actually written to make things clearer! The word "revelation" in the Greek is apokalupsis, which means "an uncovering" or "unveiling." It is therefore a book designed to uncover or unveil, not conceal. Most people conclude it is just too mysterious to understand. Unfortunately, this has caused some people to shy away from the book or on the other hand, to misuse it in propagating wild and fanciful theories. It is also very different from any kind of writing that is familiar to most people today. THE UNIQUE NATURE OF THE BOOK: Revelation is certainly different from other books of the New Testament. His authorship of this book is supported by the testimony of Justin Martyr (165 A.D.), Clement of Alexandria (220 A.D.), Hippolytus (236 A.D.), and Origen (254 A.D.). While debated by some, he was most likely the apostle John, brother of James, and author of the gospel of John and three epistles. AUTHOR: John, identified as one "who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ" ( Rev 1:1-2).
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