Interpreting Biblical Apocalyptic Literature

The word “apocalypse” (Greek apokalypsis) means “revelation” and relates directly to the book of Revelation. There are only two books of the Bible in the category of apocalyptic literature—Daniel and Revelation—although similar texts also exist outside the Bible. While Daniel is considered a prophet, the book of Daniel is in many ways different from other Old Testament prophetic books, especially the latter half of the book. Apocalyptic literature relies heavily on imagery and symbolism to communicate both present and future messages. In this sense, it is similar to prophecy, but the purpose and message of apocalyptic literature may be more subversive and political. The essential message of both Daniel and Revelation to a persecuted or oppressed people is that current kingdoms will fall and God will prevail. God’s people are called to endure in the meantime because the days of the current kingdom are numbered. Much like present-day political satire, apocalyptic literature uses symbolism to describe familiar people and ideas, so that the message will be understood by “insiders” who understand what is really being said, while keeping the message obscure to “outsiders.”

Inductive Bible Study Applied to Apocalyptic Literature (Example: Revelation 1)

1. Observation: What do you notice about the text? What questions does it raise for you? (Read the text in at least two different versions of the Bible.)

2. Interpretation: What is the author trying to communicate? Who is the author or editor? (Revelation may have been recited to a scribe, even as John had the vision) What is the literary context? In the literary context, what does this passage communicate to the reader? What does the symbolism or imagery in the text communicate to the reader? Who is the original audience, and what is their historical context? What did this passage mean in its historical context? Do the symbols or images point to people or events contemporary with the text? What does this passage communicate about who God is and how he relates to his people?

3. Evaluation: How does this relate to the rest of Scripture and to the faith of the church? Does this text have parallels elsewhere in the Bible? Does this passage contain images used elsewhere in the same book or in the Bible? (cf. Dan. 7:9-10; 10:5-6) Does this text refer to or rely on other biblical texts? (much of the imagery in Revelation comes directly from Daniel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah) Is this text referred to or quoted elsewhere in the Bible? How does this story and what it conveys about God and his people relate to other teachings in the Bible or in the church? To what extent does this passage describe events from the time of the author, and what events may still be open to future fulfillment?

4. Application: How does this passage relate to my life? How does what this passage teaches inform my own faith and relationship with God? What can I learn about how God relates to his people today? What does this text communicate about the purpose and goal of humanity and about God’s sovereignty over history?