The Scriptures in the Book of Revelation and Apocalyptic Literature

This volume defines and analyses how scripture is used within the apocalyptic genre of writing. By focusing on the Book of Revelation and the re-use of scripture, a wide body of scholars seek to illuminate the relationship between the author's theology and his interpretations of scripture, through a close examination of key passages and themes. Subsequently the contributors aim to establish greater clarity about the hermeneutical methods and axioms employed in Revelation and other apocalyptic texts, and about the extent to which these are characteristic or constituent of the genre.

These overarching aims are addressed through four different analyses. Beginning with a re-evaluation of central methodological questions around the use of the scriptures in apocalyptic literature, this volume then explores the influence of the Old Testament on aspects of the theology of the Book of Revelation, and considers how these scriptural themes are received in later Christian tradition. This is followed by a series of exegetical chapters, investigating key specific examples of intertextuality in Revelation. Finally, the volume examines the re-use of scripture in other early Jewish and early Christian apocalyptic writings (including Paul's letters, 1 Enoch and the Qumran Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice), so that conclusions can be drawn about the methods of exegesis practised within apocalyptic more broadly.