Literary structure The author/rhetor appears to have created a Book in seven sections, where each section is made up of an introductory piece followed by seven revelations, and where the seven sections are themselves arranged in the following chiasm: Prologue 1.1-8; Section 1: 1.9-3.22 Messages to the Seven Churches; Section 2: 4.1-8.1 The Seven Seals; Section 3: 8.2-11.18 The Seven Trumpets; Section C: 11.19-15.4 Seven Visions (see kai eidon for the introduction and each vision); Section 3: 15.5-16.21 The Seven Bowls/Plagues (compare Trumpets 1:1, 2;2, etc.); Section 2: 17.1-19.10 Seven Words on the Fall of Babylon (see kai eipen, etc.); Section 1: 19.11-22.15 Seven Final Visions (see again kai eidon); Epilogue 22.16-21. The rhetors sources/influences likely include Zechariah (opening chapters), the Jewish Menorah and the structure of Johns Gospel (seven sections, each of twelve parts).[45] Yet, others below express their views. In terms of literary structure, Revelation consists of four visions, each involving John seeing the plan of God unveiled,[1:9, 4:1, 17:1, 21:9] with an epilogue that concludes the book.[22:6-21][37] In terms of content, the structure of Revelation is built around four successive groups of seven: the messages to the seven churches; the seven seals; the seven trumpets; and the seven bowl judgments.[37] The repeated occurrence of the number seven contributes to the overall unity of Revelation. While several numbers stand out—3, 4, 7, 10, 12, 24, 144, 1000—the number seven appears to have a special significance. In fact, there are twenty-four distinct occurrences of the use of seven.[46] Seven is considered the number of perfection in Christianity.[47] One half of seven, 3½, is also a conspicuous number in Revelation: two witnesses are given power to prophesy 1,260 days, or exactly 3½ years, according to the Hebrew year of 360 days;[11:3] the witnesses are then killed, and their dead bodies lie in the streets of Jerusalem for 3½ days;[11:9] the woman clothed with the sun is protected in the wilderness for 1,260 days, or 3½ years;[12:6] Gentiles tread the holy city underfoot for 42 months, or 3½ years;[11:2] and the beast is given authority to continue for 42 months, or 3½ years.[13:5] Kenneth Strand asserts that symbols and phrases of Revelation are organized as a chiastic structure, a literary device used frequently in the Old Testament.[48] Comparison of the chiastic divisions and content help to define the progression and themes of the book and to highlight details of particular importance.[49] Narrative criticism Details surrounding the narrator of Revelation lead the reader to view him as a Jewish Christian. Thus, the story must be related to the point of view of the author-in-text. The main plot of Revelation is the battle between good and evil, God and Satan.[50] The story starts with the introduction of the main character, John of Patmos, followed by a series of events that lead to the resolution of the main problem, which is the defeat of evil and the establishment of a New Jerusalem. The hero, or protagonist, is Jesus. Satan is the antagonist, the ultimate adversary.[51] The setting presents elements that are external to the main character, conveying messages through archetypal imagery and symbolism.[52]
Posted on: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 13:11:50 +0000
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