Understanding Apocalyptic Literature

Study Notes

"Apocalypse" is a Greek word that means "to uncover or reveal", not the end of the world.
An apocalypse is a revelation that gives a divine perspective on earthly circumstances.

Written in a poetic, imaginative style.
Packed with symbolism.
Based on Biblical design patterns that begin in Genesis and develop throughout the Bible.

Sometimes a prophet will explain the meaning of a symbol.
Often, the authors assume the reader knows how to trace an image through the Biblical story to understand its meaning.
Symbols can be understood by studying the rest of the Bible.

Isaiah's vision in God's throne room, where God gives him a divine perspective on Israel's past, present, and future.
The apostle Paul's vision of the risen Jesus, which changed the course of his life.
Daniel's apocalyptic dreams and visions, including the ferocious beasts coming out of a dark sea.
The book of Revelation, which is an extended apocalypse that begins with John the visionary transported to God's throne room.

Begins with John the visionary transported to God's throne room, where he sees the risen Jesus as the exalted king of the world.
Uses design patterns from the Bible, such as the sacrificial lamb from Israel's Passover and the Day of Atonement.
Includes three seven-part cycles of God's judgment, connecting to stories of the flood, the 10 plagues on Egypt, and the exile to Babylon.
Ultimately, the book is about the beginning of the renewed world, where Heaven and Earth are reunited and God's human images rule all creation in the love and power of God.

Apocalyptic literature is a revelation that gives a divine perspective on earthly circumstances, not the end of the world.
The term "apocalypse" comes from the Greek word meaning "to uncover or reveal".

Written in a poetic, imaginative style to convey symbolic meanings.
Packed with symbolism that requires interpretation.
Based on Biblical design patterns established in Genesis and developed throughout the Bible.

Prophets may explicitly explain the meaning of symbols.
Authors often assume the reader has knowledge of Biblical stories to understand symbolic meanings.
Symbols can be understood by studying the rest of the Bible.

Isaiah's vision of God's throne room, providing a divine perspective on Israel's past, present, and future.
The apostle Paul's vision of the risen Jesus, transforming his life's course.
Daniel's apocalyptic dreams and visions, including the ferocious beasts emerging from a dark sea.
The book of Revelation, an extended apocalypse that begins with John's transportation to God's throne room.

Provides hope or challenges the reader to change their perspective or course of action.
Offers a heavenly perspective on earthly circumstances.

Begins with John's transportation to God's throne room, where he sees the risen Jesus as the exalted king of the world.
Employs design patterns from the Bible, such as the sacrificial lamb from Israel's Passover and the Day of Atonement.
Includes three seven-part cycles of God's judgment, connecting to stories of the flood, the 10 plagues on Egypt, and the exile to Babylon.
Ultimately, the book is about the beginning of the renewed world, where Heaven and Earth are reunited and God's human images rule all creation in the love and power of God.