The New Testament

A Historical and Theological Introduction

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Chapter

41. The Apocalypse

Questions for Research and Discussion

  1. How is Revelation similar to other apocalypses during the Second Temple period? How is it distinct from them?
  2. What is interesting about the fact that Revelation was not given a famous but dead OT hero as its author? Does this help or hurt the case for John the Apostle being the writer?
  3. What is meant when it is said that the three major judgment scenes in Revelation are “recapitulations”? How convincing is this and why (or why not)?
  4. Trace the idea of a millennium in other Second Temple apocalypses. How might this help us better understand the millennium idea found in Revelation?
  5. When was Revelation written? What is the chief factor in determining its date? What date do you believe is most probable?