Page 169 - Biblical Backgrounds

have developed since that time. You would do well to study them as they provide a fascinating
alternative interpretive methodology for understanding Revelation.

Let’s Practice…

1. What is prophecy, and what is apocalyptic in Jewish literature?

2. What was the early church's view of Revelation as a future event?

3. What is an allusion?

4. Why did John use citations and quotes? How does it help us understand Revelation?

5. What is an echo?

6. What is the main point of Revelation?

7. Why did Augustine reinterpret Revelation?

8. What situation prompted God to give John his prophecy of what God would do?

Let’s get Personal…

Read through the book of Revelation and ask yourself how a Jewish or Christian audience in
John’s time would have viewed the overall message. What should it teach you as a pastor about
encouraging your congregation when God doesn’t seem to be keeping His promises?

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