Revelation Unsealed: A Narrative Critical Approach to John's Apocalypse (Biblical Interpretation Series, V. 32)

This is a narrative commentary on the Book of Revelation which provides fascinating new look at John's Apocalypse. The symbolic and theological significance of setting, rhetoric, point of view, character, and plot are throughly discussed in this volume. Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Acknowledgements Introduction: A Narrative Critical Approach Point of View Rhetoric Numerals Repetition Figurative Language Setting Character Plot The Reader I. Point of View and Rhetoric Phraseological Point of View Hear and See Divine Passive Spatial Point of View Center and Perimeter Outer and Inner Above and Below Open and Close Psychological Point of View Temporal Point of View Ideological Point of View Rhetoric Numerals II. Setting Spiritual Settings of Revelation Throne Topographical Settings Cities of the Apocalypse Sea Desert Mountain River Heaven Abyss/Bottomless Pit Tree Architectural Settings Temple Altar Props Scroll Trumpet Bowl Symbolic Significance of Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls III. Character Apocalyptic and Demonic Imagery in Revelation God God’s Speech God’s Actions Narrator’s Description of God What Characters Say about God Jesus Christ One like the Son of Man The Lamb Faithful and True Rider Demonic Animals Locusts Lion Birds in Midheaven Dragon/Serpent Beast Apocalyptic Animals Four Living Creatures Lamb Eagle Lion Women of the Apocalypse The Whore of Babylon The Whore of Thyatira The Bride The Mother Minor Characters Four Horsemen Two Witnesses Inhabitants of the Earth Angels IV. Plot and Structure Recapitulation Theory Plot Analysis of Chapters 1-22 V. Theological Significance of Revelation Church Evil God Worship Salvation Christ The Future Bibliography Index of Authors Index of References Index of Greek Terms Subject Index BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION SERIES This narrative commentary systematically examines John's Apocalypse from a narrative critical perspective. After an introduction to narrative criticism, the volume focuses on point of view, setting, rhetoric, character, and plot in the Book of Revelation. The rhetorical and symbolic significance of numerals are discussed at length as are the multifaceted characters in the book such as demonic animals (locust, beasts, dragon, birds) and apocalyptic animals (lamb, four living creatures). The symbolic significance of topographical, architectural, agricultural, and other settings is emphasized. The final chapter of the book is a summary of some of the major theological themes of Revelation. The volume provides a useful methodology for the study of a much disputed book of the Bible.