The Apocalyptic Vision: Understanding the Apocalyptic Writings of the Bible

The study of apocalyptic literature is a daunting task for the average Bible-believing Christian. The wild images of Revelation with its beasts, trumpet blasts, and earth-shattering events that usher in a time of great tribulation, will often confuse and mystify the modern reader. Most modern preachers skip the laborious task of explaining to their congregations John’s visions as they relate to other ancient apocalyptic writings. However, examining the New Testament’s apocalyptic verses without attempting to understand their original intended meanings will almost always lead 21st century Christians to attempt to apply these ancient writings to a modern setting in unintended ways.
The parallels between the ancient world and today go far to explain the popularity of biblical apocalyptic literature. Without resorting to sensationalism, “The Apocalyptic Vision” examines the genre of apocalyptic literature beginning with the ancient Jewish prophetic writings of the Bible, through the post-exilic Jewish literature, and on through the early centuries of Christian thought. The lessons in this book will give the average Christian a strong foundation for deeper studies of apocalyptic literature.