Description
Book SynopsisAbout seventy years after the death of Jesus, John of Patmos sent visionary messages to Christians in seven cities of western Asia Minor. These messages would eventually become part of the New Testament canon, as The Book of Revelation. What was John''s message? What was its literary form? Did he write to a persecuted minority or to Christians enjoying the social and material benefits of the Roman Empire? In search of answers to these penetrating questions, Thompson critically examines the language, literature, history, and social setting of the Book of the Apocalypse. Following a discussion of the importance of the genre apocalypse, he closely analyses the form and structure of the Revelation, its narrative and metaphoric unity, the world created through John''s visions, and the social conditions of the empire in which John wrote. He offers an unprecedented interpretation of the role of boundaries in Revelation, a reassessment of the reign of the Emperor Domitian, and a view of tribul
Trade Review"Rich and complex....A genuine contribution to social historical studies of apocalypticism."--Journal of Religion
"While he writes for specialists, he does so clearly and engagingly, taking care to define his terms in order to bring non-specialists on board."--Anglican Theological Review
"Contains much useful material and should be read by all persons making a serious study of the book of Revelation."--Seminary Studies
"Ancient historians and other New Testament students will appreciate the scholarly solidity of this monograph and a wider readership may be excited by its fresh style and a stimulating tour of themes like the Roman Empire under Domitian, the Jews in Asia Minor, and the nature of religion in relation to society."--Theological Book Review
"A groundbreaking monograph....If Thompson's thesis is accepted among scholars, it will revolutionize the academic study of apocalyptic literature....A major piece of scholarly work."--Choice
