Seeing Things John's Way: The Rhetoric of the Book of Revelation

by David A. deSilva

Overview

The emotionally evocative power of the book of Revelation has been often noted and experienced by interpreters, but until now it has never been systematically explored. The strange visions of the book of Revelation provide some of the most difficult passages of the New Testament, yet Christians have long been fascinated by its power and provocative pronouncements. David deSilva analyzes how the book argues and persuades us to see the world through the eyes of John, and suggests that the study of ancient rhetoric is particularly valuable in understanding the book of Revelation. deSilva interprets the book of Revelation as a rhetorical and communicative strategy to persuade a particular audience for specific goals. Throughout this analysis, he pursues John's construction of his own authority, John's use of emotion and logic, and his attempt to shape the formation of the reader. Despite the complexities of Revelation, deSilva has produced a remarkably clear text sure to cause readers to rethink their view of Revelation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664224493
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	06/29/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	408
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

David A. deSilva is Trustees' Distinguished Professor and Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. He is the author of several books on the New Testament.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xi

Abbreviations xiii

1 "Favored Are Those Who Read": Orientations to Revelation in the History of Interpretation 1

2 The Rhetorical Setting of Revelation: Seven Congregations in the Roman Province of Asia 29

3 What Does John Really Want? The Rhetorical Goals of Revelation 65

4 "What Is and What Will Be Hereafter": The Cosmos according to John 93

5 Why Should We Listen to John? The Construction of Ethos in Revelation 117

6 Stealing Authority? John's Use of the Hebrew Bible 147

7 The Strategic Arousal of Emotions in the Oracles to the Seven Churches 175

8 "I Saw a Monster Rising Up!" Appeals to Pathos in the Visions of Revelation 193

9 Appeals to Rational Argument (Logos) in Revelation: The Seven Oracles 229

10 Argumentation in John's Visions: Revelation 14:6-13 as Focal Summary of Main Points 257

11 Literary Logic in Revelation: Rational Argument through Narrative and Intertexture 285

12 John's Vision beyond the Roman World: What Might the Spirit Continue to Say to the Churches? 313

Bibliography 351

Index of Ancient Texts 365

Index of Modern Authors 381

Index of Subjects 385