Discovering Revelation: Content, Interpretation, Reception

by David A. deSilva

Overview

The book of Revelation has been received over the past several centuries with both fascination and aversion, but one thing is certain: it has profoundly shaped Christian history and culture. And the way it has shaped history and culture has been determined, in large part, by how the book has been variously—and sometimes irresponsibly—interpreted. 

David A. deSilva addresses the interpretation and reception-history of Revelation in this compact, up-to-date, and student-friendly introduction to the book of Revelation, focusing on its structure, content, theological concerns, key interpretive debates, and historical reception. Discovering Revelation draws on a range of methodological approaches (author-, text-, and reader-centered) as complementary rather than mutually exclusive ways of interpreting the text. DeSilva pays special attention to defining features of Revelation, such as its use of sequences of seven as a major structuring device, its nonlinear plotline, and its deployment of contrast and parody. As deSilva writes, “A text as rich and multidimensional as Revelation calls for its readers to adopt a rich and multidimensional approach that draws upon a variety of interpretative angles and skills.”.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802872425
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	04/29/2021
Series:	Discovering Biblical Texts (DBT)
Pages:	250
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

David A. deSilva is Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary. His many other books include An Introduction to the New Testament, Introducing the Apocrypha, and Galatians: A Handbook to the Greek Text.

Table of Contents

Preface xi

List of abbreviations xiii

1 Introduction 1

Between fascination and repugnance 1

Reading Revelation 3

Structure and interpretation 10

2 Interpreting Revelation: strategies for reading 12

Engaging the 'three worlds' of Revelation 12

Reading Revelation through the centuries: a question of genre 16

The general approach of this volume 27

3 The text of Revelation: origins and transmission 28

The writer of the text 29

The composition of the text 33

The date of the text 35

The language of the text 39

Handing down the text 40

4 The world of John the Seer: locating the text historically and socially 44

The religious and ideological context 45

The economic and military contexts 50

5 A revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1) 55

Authorship and authority in Revelation 56

Encountering Jesus in Revelation 61

6 Oracles from the glorified Christ (Revelation 2-3) 69

The form and message of the oracles 71

Local challenges facing one or more congregations 78

Conclusion 87

7 Visions of the cosmic centre (Revelation 4-5) 89

Getting 'there' 89

The heavenly court 90

The commissioning of the Lamb 97

The larger picture and audience perspective 103

Revelation and worship 104

8 Seals, trumpets and plagues: Revelation as cosmic exodus (Revelation 6-9, 10-11, 15-16) 106

Linear plot and/or recapitulation? 106

Breaking the seals 108

A new Egypt, a new exodus 111

Repentance or recalcitrance? 121

9 Roman power and propaganda in perspective (Revelation 12-14) 125

Rewriting the myths of Roman rule 126

The emperor's new genus 129

The other column in the ledger 137

Witness and conquering 143

10 The goddess exposed (Revelation 17.1-19.10) 146

Re-dressing Roma 147

Does Revelation promote misogyny? 152

Prophetic precedents and prophetic critique 154

Saintly joy or schadenfreude? 163

Continuing encounters with Babylon 165

11 Making all things new (Revelation 19.11-22.5) 167

The return of the King 167

Visions of violence and vengeance 170

The millennium across the millennia 171

Judgement Day 179

All things new 182

12 Conclusions: Interpreting Revelation today 190

Looking for 'fulfilment' in one-to-one correspondences 190

Theological interpretation 192

Discernment on the basis of analysis and analogy 193

Bibliography 198

Index of Scripture references and ancient authors 215

Index of modern authors 227

Index of subjects 231

Editorial Reviews

Calvin Theological Journal
“A refreshing analysis of a mysterious book.”

Review of Biblical Literature
“David deSilva’s Discovering Revelation is a thorough and careful examination of John’s Apocalypse that firmly situates readers in the historical context of the assemblies of Asia Minor. It orients students toward an academic perspective while still connecting John’s message to their present situations. A sensitivity to the nebulous character of Revelation as simultaneously prophecy, letter, and apocalypse draws the reader into an appreciation for its complexity while challenging popular interpretations that diminish John’s imagery as simply ciphers to be decoded.”

Interpretation
“[T]his is an excellent work and should be read by anyone who wants a solid introduction to Revelation.”

Review of Biblical Literature
“This book represents a brilliant introduction to Revelation by a senior scholar in the field.

From the Publisher