Overview of Biblical Apocalyptic Literature

1
Overview of Biblical Apocalyptic Literature

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

2
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.

3
Examples

• Daniel
• Ezekiel
• Joel
• Zechariah

• Olivet Discourse
• Revelation
• Apocrypha
• Pseudipigrapha

4
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

5
Types of Symbolic Imagery

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

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

6
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.

7
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.

8
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.

9
Overview of Daniel

• Daniels Story
• Interpretation of Dreams for Nebuchadnezzar
• Image
• Tree
• Story of 3 Friends
• Story of Lions Den
• Daniels 5 Kingdoms
• Greece and Persia
• The 70 Weeks
• The Time of the AntiChrist

10
Daniels 70 Weeks

• I. 445 BC 397 BC
• 49 years starts with command of Cyrus
• Ends with completion of city and end of OT canon
• II. 397 BC 32 AD
• Continues until Messiah is cut off (April 6, 32
  AD)
• III. Church Age
• Not counted in the 70 Weeks (continuing now)
• IV. Last Seven Years
• Begins with Peace Treaty for Mid-East
• Ends with Bowl Judgments

11
The Synoptic Apocalypse

• Recorded in Mt. 24, Mk. 13, Lk. 21
• Given to Peter, James, John Andrew
• Answers 4 questions
• Prophecies destruction of Jerusalem
• Prophecies Tribulation Period
• Prophecies Glorious Return of Son of Man
• Bridges Between Daniel and Revelation

12
A Futurist View of Revelation

• Three-fold Outline in Revelation 119
• Things already seen
• Things which are
• Things which shall be hereafter
• Ch. 1 A vision of Christ
• Chs. 2-3 Current Conditions in AD 96
• Chs. 4-22Things Which Shall Be Hereafter

13
An Outline of The Judgments

• A. Seven Seals
• 1. Rider on White Horse False Peace
• 2. Rider on Red Horse World War
• 3. Rider on Black Horse World Famine
• 4. Rider on Pale Horse Death Hell
• 5. Souls under Altar Persecution
• 6. Seismic Cosmic Disturbances
• 7. Silence Followed by Scene of Seven Angels

14
An Outline of the Judgments

• B. Seven Trumpets
• Hail, Fire Blood on Earth 1/3 Vegetation
• Fiery Mountain Cast into the Sea 1/3 Sea Life
• Burning Star Falls on Earth 1/3 Rivers Poisoned
• Celestial Disturbances 1/3 lights dimmed
• Ruler Falls to Earth, Opens Pit
• Armies from East 1/3 men killed
• Great Voices in Heaven Gods Kingdom Supreme

15
An Outline of the Judgments

• C. Seven Bowls of Wrath
• Poured on Earth sores on worshipers of beast
• Poured on Sea all Sea life dies
• Poured in Rivers All fresh water polluted with
  blood
• Poured on the Sun Men scorched with fire
• Poured on Throne of Beast His kingdom darkened
• Poured on Euphrates River dries up Armageddon
• Poured on the Air It is Done, Final Plague of
  Hail

16
Independent Visions

• 144,000 Evangelists
• Mighty Angel
• Two Witnesses
• Cosmic War Between Dragon Man-Child
• Beast and False Prophet
• Religious Babylon System
• Commercial Babylon System

17
After Judgments of Tribulation

• Second Coming of Christ in Glory
• Destruction of Armies at Armageddon
• Millennial Reign of Christ
• Great White Throne Judgment
• New Heaven Earth
• New Jerusalem
• New Garden of Eden

18
HE IS COMING!

• END OF PRESENTATION