Q.
Was the book of Revelation written in code?
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provide encouragement for a persecuted people. In that sense, it was written
in a form of code. Much of that code is undoubtedly lost upon modern read-
ers. And it is a mistake to bring too much speculation to such a loaded book.
Looking back, we may wonder about the odd visions and references
in Revelation. It is tough to recreate the fi gures and concerns of the early
Christian community. Such evocative language is so far removed from our
“realistic” appraisals of diffi cult situations. Revelation could be read as
the hallucinations of a crazy man or as the enduring hope of a faith-fueled
visionary.
The Revelation of John addressed specifi c concerns of its era. The encour-
agement to carry on would have bolstered those who faced persecution for
their faith. They would have been buoyed by news of impending judgment
upon their enemies. The lake of fi re described in Revelation 19 would seem
like appropriate punishment for those who tortured others. Revelation would
have been read as a brilliant satire in its day.
Revelation also includes passages of poetic beauty. Revelation 21 and 22
envision a bright future, a heaven coming down to earth, and a radiant city
that offers remarkable comfort. The description of the New Jerusalem rivals
the splendor of an eye-popping Pixar fi lm. It includes a river of life fl owing
down the middle of gold-plated streets, and magic trees with healing in their
leaves. Like most great comedies, Revelation ends with a wedding banquet,
where Jesus invites his extended family to dine with him.Scriptural References
Ezekiel 38—39; Daniel 7—12; Revelation 5:5, 6; 12:11; 21, 22Suggested Additional Sources for Reading
- Jason Boyett, Pocket Guide to the Apocalypse: The Of cial Field Manual for the
End of the World (Relevant Books, 2005). - Lee C. Camp, Mere Discipleship: Radical Christianity in a Rebellious World
(Brazos, 2008). - Stephen L. Cook, The Apocalyptic Literature (Abingdon Press, 2003).
- David Dark, Everyday Apocalypse (Brazos, 2002).
- Becky Garrison, The New Atheist Crusaders and Their Unholy Grail: The
Misguided Quest to Destroy Your Faith (Thomas Nelson, 2008). - Anthony Hoekema, The Bible and the Future (Eerdmans, 2004).
- “Understanding the Book of Revelation,” PBS Frontline: http://www
.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/apocalypse.