4/21 Class Flashcards
What does the book of Revelation contain in terms of imagery and symbols?
Demonic locusts, fire-breathing horses, a beast with 10 horns and 7 heads, a wealthy prostitute called ‘Babylon’ riding a hideous beast.
These symbols represent people and empires.
What is the primary purpose of the symbolism in Revelation?
To reveal, not to conceal, with a political slant.
The challenge for contemporary readers is akin to interpreting a political cartoon.
What is the Historical Approach to interpreting Revelation?
An account of events that took place during the time around which the book was written, representing specific historical people/events in the past.
Examples include the destruction of Jerusalem and the fall of Rome.
What does the Predictive Approach to Revelation suggest?
An account of the final period of human history and the end of the world, with visions representing specific historical people and events in chronological order.
This approach suggests we may be at the beginning of the story.
What are the three self-descriptions of Revelation’s genre?
- Prophecy
- Letter
- Apocalypse
These descriptions are found in Revelation 1.
What does ‘Apocalypse’ mean in the context of Revelation?
‘Revelation’ or ‘Unveiling’.
Apocalyptic literature is also present in earlier books like Isaiah and Daniel.
What are the characteristics of apocalyptic literature?
- Provides a ‘God’s-eye view’ on suffering
- Extensive use of symbolism
- God wins!
Examples include beasts and numbers.
What was the setting of Revelation?
Written by John from Patmos to encourage faithfulness to Christ against Roman culture.
The letters address issues faced by 7 churches.
What is the outline of Revelation?
- Prologue and Inaugural Vision
- Letters to the 7 churches
- Heavenly Journey to God’s Throne Room
- 7 Seals
- 7 Trumpets
- Church vs. the Beasts
- 7 Bowls
- Destruction of Rome
- Victory of the Lamb
- New Heaven and New Earth
This outline highlights the structure of the book.
What does Revelation say about the problem of evil?
Evil is a fact and is defined contextually, surrounding historical events bounded by Christ and prayer.
The Bible does not explain evil but insists on its existence.
What is depicted in Revelation chapters 4-5?
The heavenly throne room with worship of God and Christ, highlighting the worthiness of Christ to break the seals of the scroll.
This includes parallels with Old Testament passages.
What does Revelation 21:3 say about the new Jerusalem?
The new Jerusalem comes down out of heaven as a temple, with God dwelling among humanity.
Highlights the fulfillment of God’s promise of relationship with humanity.
What is the significance of the ‘Mark of the Beast’ in Revelation?
Represents a choice of worship, with the number 666 associated with ‘Nero Caesar’ in gematria.
The beast rising from the sea represents the Roman Empire.
What is the Christian hope according to N.T. Wright?
The unification of heaven and earth in a new creation, not merely going to heaven when we die.
This emphasizes a holistic view of salvation and God’s presence.
Fill in the blank: Revelation is primarily concerned with the _______ of God and humanity.
relationship
True or False: The letters to the churches in Revelation were written to address real problems faced by real churches in the 1st century.
True
What does Revelation depict about humanity’s relationship with God after Jesus’ atoning death?
Humanity can restore the relationship they once rejected and become temples filled with God’s Spirit.
This is based on concepts from 1 Corinthians.
