Overview of Biblical Apocalyptic Literature

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Overview of Biblical Apocalyptic Literature

• Getting the Keys to Understanding a Special Genre
  of Biblical Expression

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Definitions

• Apokalupsis First word of Gr. text of
  Revelation.
• It means unveiling, uncovering or showing.
• Apocalyptic Type of literature a style
• that flourished 200 BC AD 200
• Symbolic visionary prophetic literature,
  composed during oppressive conditions, consisting
  of visions whose events are recorded exactly as
  they were seen by the author and explained
  through a divine interpreter, and whose
  theological content is primarily eschatological.

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Examples

• Daniel
• Ezekiel
• Joel
• Zechariah

• Olivet Discourse
• Revelation
• Apocrypha
• Pseudipigrapha

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Distinctive Motifs

• Sees sudden, cataclysmic end of the world
• Tells of some spiritual journey to get vision
• Message comes not from writers own time
• Present conditions are unbearable
• Message is only for a faithful remnant
• Gives secret message through symbols

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Types of Symbolic Imagery

• Numbers
• Angels
• Animals
• Metals
• Colors
• Actions
• Incense
• Thunder

• Stars
• Planets
• Sun
• Moon
• Earthquakes
• Floods
• Smoke
• Lightning

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Human Reasons

• Apocalyptic writing was an accepted style.
• Apocalyptic writing helped protect the
  persecuted recipients.
• Apocalyptic writing was well suited to prophecy
  which often came in visions.

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Divine Reasons

• Apocalyptic writing adapted the message to the
  mindset of the people.
• Apocalyptic messages were sometimes given to only
  be understood in a future time.

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Keys to Understanding

• The Middle East Apocalypticists used many common
  symbols 200BC AD200.
• The Old Testament is full of such symbols.
• Several OT writings repeat the same basic
  messages on the End-time, and can be compared.
• The Olivet Discourse bridges from Daniel to
  Revelation.