Revelations is written in the style of Jewish apocalyptic literature. This type of literature shared a number of leading ideas: Time is divided into 2 ages. The end of the present age is to come with dramatic suddenness. The end is expected almost immediately. The end of the present evil age is to be marked by a period of extreme distress. In contrast to Jewish apocalypses Revelations had the format of a letter. Chapters 1-3 consist of a covering letter followed by letters to 7 churches. Chapter 1:3 makes clear that John expects the book to be read aloud to the various congregation, much as Paul at an earlier time intended his letters to be presented to assembled bodies of Christians.
Revelations is written in the style of Jewish apocalyptic literature. This type of literature shared a number of leading ideas: Time is divided into 2 ages. The end of the present age is to come with dramatic suddenness. The end is expected almost immediately. The end of the present evil age is to be marked by a period of extreme distress. In contrast to Jewish apocalypses Revelations had the format of a letter. Chapters 1-3 consist of a covering letter followed by letters to 7 churches. Chapter 1:3 makes clear that John expects the book to be read aloud to the various congregation, much as Paul at an earlier time intended his letters to be presented to assembled bodies of Christians.
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