Scriptures in the Book of Revelation and Apocalyptic Literature
This volume addresses one of the key issues in the study of the Book of Revelation and the apocalyptic genre more broadly – the re-use within these texts of the Jewish Scriptures. A range of expert contributors analyse specific themes and passages, and also explore wider methodological questions, aiming particularly to engage with the ground-breaking work in this field of Steve Moyise.
Divided into three sections, the book first focuses on hermeneutical questions, such as the role of ‘typology’ in interpretation, and the relationship between the ‘original meaning’ of a scriptural text and the sense it acquires in a new literary context. In the following section, a series of chapters offers detailed exegetical engagement with the Book of Revelation. These probe the scriptural background of some of its major theological themes (e.g. time, sounds and silence) and significant passages (e.g. the Song of the Lamb and other hymns), and highlight fresh aspects of its reception by both ancient and modern audiences. The final section considers the place of scripture and its interpretation in a selection of other early Jewish and early Christian apocalyptic writings (including 1 Enoch, Paul’s Letters and the First Apocryphal Apocalypse of John).
Susan Docherty is Professor of New Testament and Early Judaism at Newman University Birmingham, UK.
Steve Smith is Lecturer in New Testament studies at St Mellitus College, UK.