The Wait Is Over

As promised I'm going to start typing notes from Jewish Apocalyptic Literature the book of Revelation.

Disclaimer:

I will type the notes as presented to me. I will not add my thoughts in the post. Comments allowed for friendly discussion and edifying.

II Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto G-D, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

I Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

And for the record no one is ruling out dual fulfillment.














Lecture One:

1. The word apocalypse is a Greek word meaning uncovering or disclosure usually through the method of Divine revelation. This was usually done through a dream, vision, or a trance. Although there are many types of apocalyptic literature, including the earliest forms from Egypt such as the vision of neferrohu (2,000 BC), we will basically study the Jewish and Christian writings.

2. The apocalyptic literature has a long history beginning as far back as 2,000 years exerting a remarkable influence on politics, ethics, and religion all the way down to the present.

3. Particular to both the Jewish as well as the Christian apocalyptic literature is the emphasis on the mysteries of creation, cosmos, and the end of days.

4. Although apocalyptic writing is related to and stems from prophecy, the two have major differences and different goals. Prophetic verses have Divine authority and speak of definite happenings, while apocalyptic literature often invested its writing with the authority under the pseudonym of a popular and venerated Biblical character. From this method came the name pseudepigrapha or false writings that has often been attached to this literature. The content is not false, it serves a positive and powerful purpose, but the title is usually false.

5. The apocalyptics challenged contemporary reality and dwelt on a theme of sudden, miraculous Divine intervention which was to redeem and restore Israel and destroy their enemies. These writers often speak of the Day of the L-RD, in which HE will bring the sinners, both Jew as well as gentile, to judgment. There are many traces of apocalyptic thought in the Bible as seen in such places as Zechariah 9-14 and culminating in the Book of Daniel.

6. The Book of Daniel in the old testament as well as most of the new testament, especially the Book of Revelation, are the major portions of apocalyptic literature to become a part of the canon.

7. The exact origin of apocalyptic literature is not known, but its roots are firmly planted in ancient Biblical prophecy. Another major apocalyptic writing that is partially quoted in the new testament is the ancient book known as the Book of Enoch.

8. The apocalyptics used prophetic themes, but elaborated them and practically changed their original meaning to warn or prepare the people of their day about coming or present dangers by veiling the admonitions in mystery imagery that only the Jewish or Jewish Christian communities understood.

Go to Lecture II