8/3/2019 Setting of Apocalypse

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/setting-of-apocalypse 1/1

 

The Setting of Biblical Apocalyptic

Literature

Joshua L. Pappas

  We must understand the setting of a piece of literature, and interpret it against the background

of that setting to realize the author's purpose and understand its message.

  In every case, apocalyptic literature was written against the backdrop of oppression, suffering,

and persecution of God's people. Some examples:

◦  Isaiah: Anticipation of centuries of coming troubles

◦  Ezekiel & Daniel: Babylonian captivity and Persian domination (anticipation of Hellenistic

tyranny)

◦  Zechariah: Persian domination and challenges of the rebuilding period

◦  Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21: Jewish and Roman persecutions of Christians

◦  2Thessalonians 2: Persecutions arising from false brethren

◦  Revelation: Roman persecutions of Christians

  There are two reasons why I understand this to be the case:

1.  During times of suffering, we need reassurance. God wants us to succeed (1Tim 2:4; 2Pet

3:9).

2.  When we have a subversive message against an oppressive ruling power, it suits us to have

it in a secret form.

▪  Apocalyptic writings use a common code any diligent Bible student can understand

(Revelation 1:3).

▪  While we might think of ways the enemies could have discovered the meanings, it

appears the concept generally worked!

  During times of intense oppression, the faithful have had reason to wonder about the ultimate

outcome.

◦  Apocalyptic texts are always about deliverance and victory, and so they deal (directly or

indirectly) with the ultimate and final victory at the end of time.

◦  Apocalyptic writings always refer directly to times relevant to the original audience. Any

interpretation that would have been meaningless or insignificant to the original audience is

mistaken.