NEW TESTAMENT FOUNDATIONSNT 102THE CHURCH & THE FUTURE

JUDEIntroduction1. Are among the most neglected of NT books.2. Bear the closest literary relationship with II Peter.Two primary issuesA. Who wrote Jude?B. What about Judes citation of Jewish pseudepigraphical material?

Authorship (authenticity), Date, and CanonicityA. Authorship1. Self-designation (in v.1, the author designates himself as brother of James)a. Suggestion from designation

b. James-es in the NTi. James the brother of Jesus (Gal 1:19; 2:9)ii. James the son of Alphaeus (Mk 3:18; Mt 10:3)iii.James son of Zebedee (brother of John; Mk 1:19; Mt 4:21)c. Probability of Intention2. Self-differentiation

B. Date

C. Canonicity1. Early Acceptance

2. Questioned MaterialJudes use of pseudepigraphical literature (vv. 9, 14)a. Michael & Satan disputing over Moses body (v.9)(recounted in The Assumption of Moses)

b. The prophecy of Enoch

c. Other allusions & images

3. Handling Problema. How does one cope with an inspired author citing non-inspired material, especially when the events might not have happened?b. Recognize that the use is actually not problematic.Commonly known material is being used to make or illustrate a point NOT to argue for its historicity or canonicity.

Canonicity may never have entered the writers mind.

Purpose & ContentA. PurposeTo warn against certain men who have infiltrated the community (vv. 8, 10, 12, 16, 19)B. Content1. Introduction (vv.1-2)2. Warnings against godless impostors (vv.3-16)a. Actions of impostors

b. Characteristics of impostorsi. Are libertines (antinomians; cf. Rom 6:1; let us sin that grace may abound!)ii. Are boastful, abusive, reject authority, and divisive (vv.8b-10, 15f, 19)

c. Condemnation of impostorsi. OT archetypes of wickedness ii. Imagery: blemishes, rainless clouds, autumn trees without fruit and uprooted, wild waves foaming up their shame, wandering stars (vv.12-13)

3. Summons to persevere in these last times (vv.17-23)a. Remember the last daysb. to contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saintsc. Be merciful to those who doubt, snatch others from the flames, hate anything to do with the corruption of this present age.4. Doxology: justly famous (vv.24f)

REVELATIONIntroductionA. Distinctiveness of the bookB. Strangeness of the bookApocalypses means to reveal or to uncover knowledge previously hidden.Task: to uncover theological truth behind apocalyptic literature

C. Responses to the book1. Avoidance2. Utter fixationD. Key issue in studying the bookWhat is Revelations genre & how should one read Revelation?

Author, Date & DestinationA. Author1. Internal evidencea. Writer identifies as John (1:1)

Island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea

b. Authority over the 7 churchesc. Aramaic speaking Jew2. Tradition3. Probability

B. Date1. General acceptance2. Possibility3. ProbabilityRevelation was probably penned during the reign of Domitian because ofa. Situations of the churches fit that period more effectivelyb. Myth of a Nero-redivivus makes better sense (13:7; 17:10)C. Destination

Methods of InterpretationA.Preterist View (a contemporary-historical approach)1. Contenta. Everything is past & has been fulfilledb. Revelation is a prophecy of the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD (or Fall of Rome 470 AD)

2. Advantagesa. Sees Revelation relevant to the 1st c. audienceb. Emphasizes use of the OT in the NTc. Acknowledges that Rev 11 nowhere says Jerusalem has fallen yet

3. Problemsa. Must one symbol be exclusively a referent to a particular historical reality in Johns day?b. Complete overthrow of Satan has not happened yet and did not happen in 70 ADc. Use of OT: Daniel predicts universal defeat of kingdoms of evil (Dan 7 cf. Rev 4, 5, 20 etc)

B. Historicist View1. ContentInterprets Revelation as the forecast of history from the time of John up to the commentators own time, usually history of Western Europe (e.g. Middle Ages)

2. AdvantageSees Gods sovereign hand in history

3. Problemsa. Symbols change in every generation: too narrow & too subjective

b. Why only the history of Western Europe?

C C. Futurist View (eschatological view)1. Contenta. Often dispensationalist - futurist perspective: The Church & Israel are separate, so prophecies to Israel have yet to be revealed.

b. Rapture of the Church (pre-, mid-, post-), 7 year tribulation

c. Christs millennial reign

d. End of millennium, final rebellion by Satan followed by Christs reign in the new cosmos.

2. Advantagesa. Recognizes 4:1: I will show you what must come to pass after these things.b. Introduces rapture doctrine (cf. 3:10)c. Chronological progressiond. Treats the book as naturally as possible

3. Problemsa. Rev has no relevance/significance to 1st c. audienceb. reduces NT eschatology to the very end of history

D. Idealist ViewRevelation as a (timeless) depiction of the forces between good & evil, between God & Satan.

1. Contenta. Symbolic expression of basic principles of how God acts throughout history

b. Principles of grace & judgment

c. The ageless struggle between good & evil

d. Philosophy of history

2. AdvantagesAppreciates the books theological symbolism & universal applicability3. ProblemsDenies any specific universal fulfillment or consummation in time

E. Eclectic approach, combining Preterist, Futurist, and Idealist outlooksF. Feminist Interpretation

GenreA. 3 kinds of Rev genre (1:1, 3, 4-5): Apocalyptic, Prophecy, Letter

1. Revelation as apocalyptic (1:1)a. Origins of the genre(1) Grew out of OT prophetic literature

(2) Born in persecution by world empires

(3) Gave rise to a coded response to Israels suffering

(4) Intended to encourage the faithful

(5) Examples of OT apocalyptic literature (e.g. Joel, Ezekiel)

b. Characteristics of the genre(1) Planned literary works(2) Vision & heavenly journey(3) Never intended to be literal (4) Written usually pseudonymously(5) Usually sealed up for a future time, but intended for the present

Apocalyptic entails the revelatory communication of heavenly secrets by an otherworldly being to a seer who presents the visions in a narrative framework; the visions guide readers into a transcendent reality that takes precedence over the current situation and encourages readers to persevere in the midst of their trials. The visions reverse normal experience by making the heavenly mysteries the real world and depicting the present crisis as a temporary, illusory situation. This is achieved via Gods transforming the world for the faithful (Osborne)

(6) Characteristics of Apocalyptic literature:i. Pessimism toward the present ageii. The promise of salvation or restorationiii. The view of the transcendent realityiv. A sense of determinismv. A view of 2 agesc. Revelation as example & alteration of the genre

2. Revelation as prophecy (1:3; 22:18-19)a. Characteristics of OT Prophecy(1) Largely concerned with Gods immediate dealings with his people(2) Developed from the time when Gods Spirit was among his people Israel

b. Implications of Prophetic in Revelation(1) Not to be relegated to the distant future(a) Gods kingly intervention had already begun in Jesus

(b) Complete fulfillment has not yet come (2) Not the time of the quenched Spiritthis is the new Israelthe Spirit of God has been outpoured upon his people (1:10-11; 19:10)c. Difference between prophetic (Gods redemptive work in history) & apocalyptic elements (Gods acts outside of history) in Rev

Rev. as apocalyptic differs from prophecy in situation & solution (1) Cosmic in scale

(2) Suffering is intense & seen as embodiment of supreme evil

(3) Gods salvation & judgment: universal & cosmic

(4) Dualistic approach

(5) Hope, not temporal or spatial, but eschatological

3. Revelation as letter (vv.4-5)a. Addresses specific needs

b. It is written with purposeB. Genre types in Revelation1. Apocalyptic

2. Prophetic

3. Letter

A prophetic apocalypse in epistolary format

Interpreting RevelationA. Following some guidelines (esp. the use of symbols)1. What is the significance of each symbol, whether Graeco-Roman or Jewish?2. See visions as integrated wholes3. The influence of OT is thorough-going

4. Consider variability & sourcesa. Some are constant stock-in-trade images (Babylon = Rome; horse = power, authority)

b. Some are polyvalent, and will vary from scene to scene

c. Some are composite

d. Some are Roman cultural symbols

e. Many are OT references (e.g. Harlot; Babylon; Armageddon)

Armageddon & Mount Megiddo

Armageddon, in Hebrew, means mount of Megiddo (har-megiddon).Armageddon is a typological symbol of Gods victory over the forces of evil and the end-time destruction of all enemies of God

f. Some are traditionally symbolic numbers & colorsg. Some are simply unclear

h. NumerologyNumbers 3, 4, 7, 10, 12, 70 predominate.4: cosmic completeness (e.g. earths 4 corners & 4 winds, see 7:1; 20:8)Numbers can be mystifying, e.g. 666 (for survey of views, see Mounce)

Name of Christ appears 7 times, Jesus 14 times, Lamb is used of Christ 28 times (7 x 4). 7 x 4: universal scope of the Lambs complete victory.7 denotes completeness in Gods judgment on the entire world.12: number of Gods people squared to indicated completeness & multiplied by 1 000 to connote vastness (i.e. 144 000).

5. Start with images that John explainsa.One like a Son of Man (1:17f; Dan 7 = Israel), here = Jesus (as in the gospels)b. Golden lamp stands (1:20) = 7 churches, and the 7 stars = their messengersc. Great dragon (12:9) = Satand. 7 heads are 7 hills (17:9) = Rome (cf. 17:18; the great harlot)

6. Key to interpreting symbols:a. Note authors intended useb. Use of symbols in the past c. Theological & pastoral message

B. Considering Historical Setting1. Majority hold that written during the time of Domitian.2. Reality of present & future sufferinga. References to suffering within the text(1) 1:9; 2:3, 8-9, 13; 3:10(2) to the one who overcomes (2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21)

(3)martyrs (6:9-11), the great tribulation (7:14)(4) linked with the testimony of Jesus (12:11, 17)(5) the work of the beast in chs. 13-20 (13:7, 9-10; 14:12-13; 16:5-6; 18:20, 24; 19:2; 20:4)

b. Examples of those who have/are suffering(1) Johns position in exile (1:9)(2) Death of one of their numbers in Pergamum (2:13)c. Admonition in the midst of suffering

3. Relationship of Rome & the church in the context of suffering4. Johns two aims in the face of increased suffering:a. To encourage: God is in controlb. To exhort: do not compromiseBabylon refers to Rome

The beast (Rev. 13 & 14) represents the political power of Rome and harlot represents Romes prosperity gained through economic exploitation.John warns against prostituting oneself with other gods for economic gains. An alternative perspective to Romes religious ideology: God is the King c. To warn: the fate of Rome & those who join her

Structure & Structural PrinciplesA. Poetic

B. Drama

C. Sevens

D. Chiastic

E. Liturgy

F. Recapitulation or Progressive Parallelism

G. Futuristic chronological sequence view

Content (one approach, note chiasm A B C/D/E/F/G H I)A. Introduction (ch.1)1. Prologue (vv.1-8)Prophetic message meant to be read aloud and heard, probably at the liturgies in the churches addressed.Opening divine triad (1:4-5): God, Jesus, 7 spirits

2. Context (vv. 9-20)a. Vision of the risen Christ b. Call of JohnB. The church in the corruption of the old world

7 churches (Rev 2-3)

(1) Nothing bad is said of Smyrna & PhiladelphiaNothing good is said of Sardis & Laodicea(2) 3 types of problems confront 7 churches: false teaching (Ephesus, Pergamum, Thyatira); persecution (Smyrna, Philadelphia); complacency (Sardis, Laodicea).(3) reflect the geography & commercial life of the respective city Artemiss tree shrine contrasts the tree of life

Temple of Artemis

Pergamums throne of Satan (2:13): a reference to imperial cult Or possibly a reference to Gen 3 & Satan (the serpent) since Pergamum was healing cult of Asclepius (snake symbol)

Cult of Asclepius & its snake symbol

Laodiceas famed hot spring baths at nearby Hierapolis and cold drinking water of Colossae.

Water system in Laodicea

C. Panel 1 Throne in heaven, the authority of the lamb, book with seven seals (ch. 48:1)1. The glory and the splendor of the heavenly throne-room (ch. 4): around which all creation elders (Gods people) & 4 creatures (all animal life) worships2. The slain lamb who alone is worthy receives (ch. 5) & opens his inheritance scroll (ch. 6)

3. Six seals mean judgment for the nations of the world- 1st 4th (6:1-8): the four horsemen: Romes promise of peace ends in death- 5th seal (6:9-11): martyrs cried., How long? under the heavenly altar- 6th seal: describes cosmic disturbances as part of Gods punishment

Interlude: the midst of this, Gods people (true Israel) will be saved:a. the sealing of the complete number of true Israel = 144000 (with the Spirit) (12 x 12 x 1000)b. = the numberless multitude (x 1000), i.e. old & new Israel, yet reaching out to the whole world (multitude from every nation)4. 7th seal

D. Panel 2 Seven trumpets of judgment (8:211:19)1. Six trumpets of judgment upon the nations of the world- 1st 4th: echoes of Exodus plagues- 5th 6th: Roman fear of the Barbarians & Parthians

Interlude:a. the angel with the little scroll warns that when 7th trumpet is sounded, Gods plan promised by the prophets will be fulfilled.b. 2 witnesses: who were they?2. Seventh trumpet: the consummation: Gods temple in the heavens opened; ark of covenant: earthquakes, hail etc.

E. Panel 3 Deeper conflict between the church & the dragon & his minions (ch. 1214:20)1. History on a cosmic scale: Satan vs. Gods people (ch.12)2. Two beasts, one from the sea, one from the land (the composite beast & the horned lamb, ch.13)

The 1st beast (13:1-10) with 10 horns & 7 heads, symbolizes the power of Rome & its corrupting influence embodied in its emperors.The 2nd beast (one from the earth; 13:11-18) is an evil parody of the Lamb 666? 3. Vindication of those virgins (144,000 again) who did not defile themselves with the great harlot Rome.

F. Panel 4 Seven bowls of plagues of wrath (ch. 1516:21)1. Gods crescendo of judgment on Rome & her client kings2. Ultimate image of doom: battle of Armageddon

G. Panel 5 Final judgments (ch. 1721:8): The Tale of Two Cities1. On the Harlot city: seducing the nations, drunk on the blood of the saints.2. On the beast and the armies of the earth: the true white rider3. the Millenniumafter Romes destruction, still not over 4. The New Jerusalem, the garden/city temple

H. The church in the glory of the new world (21:922:5)1. The splendor of the New Jerusalem2. The river of life in the new Eden for the nationsI. Epilogue (22:6-21)

Main ThemesA. What wasB. What isC. What will be1. The great cosmic drama continues to be played out between the Kingdom of God (as seen in his church) & the State.2. The State will inflict intense persecution and martyrdom upon the church.

3. God will judge the State for her wickedness and she will be destroyedearthly conflict being a temporal expression of the eternal one.a. Gods judgments on Rome:(1) Natural calamities(2) Warfare (barbarians and eastern powers)(3) Opportunities for repentanceb. Ultimate complete judgment: Christs eschatological victory over Satan.

D. Merging of the temporal experience of John and the eschatological1. There is a sense in which Rome and its demonic arrogance merges into an archetypal reality where:a. Babylon = the great world city, the centre of business & trading interestsb. The beast = the power of the statec. The Antichrist = particularly demonic human leadersd. Satan = as himself, the one who manipulates all of this to suit himself

2.Nevertheless, God metes out temporal judgments which themselves are all adumbrations of the final eschatological judgment to come.

Rev. 22:17The Spirit and the bride say, Come.And let everyone who hears say, Come.And let everyone who is thirsty come.Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift come.

Implications for Todayi.Revelation conveys the sovereignty of God What we see is not what it really is!ii.High Christologyiii.Eschatology Ethicsiv.Reality & severity of evil & the demonic forces

Beasley-Murray: it is ironical that the century which has witnessed the death of the Devil and the Antichrist in theology has experienced the most appalling manifestations of demonic craft (or witchcraft), the most terrible desolation of war, and the most widespread oppression of the Christian faith in all history.

v.The danger of idolatry & its association with economic prosperityvi.Revelation as a source of comfort in times of suffering

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