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It’s the apocalypse! But that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. In the Bible, the word apocalypse means “to reveal.” It refers to moments when God uncovers the true nature of reality to someone, usually in a dream or vision.
And because this often happens in dreams, biblical apocalyptic literature is packed with fantastic imagery and strange symbols: dragons and beasts, bowls of blood and fire, cosmic collapse, and more.
Interpreting all these images is what makes biblical apocalyptic so controversial and intriguing. So how do we read it wisely? First, we need to see how apocalyptic visions are all connected to the bigger biblical storyline.
1/10 Have you ever tried reading the letters in the New Testament and found yourself lost or asking, “What on earth is Paul talking about?!” You’re not alone! Even the apostle Peter found Paul’s letters difficult to read. (Check out his comments in 2 Peter 3:15-16).
2/10 But with an understanding of the literary context, you can learn to read these letters with more wisdom and insight.
It’s important to remember that in the first century world most people did not read, so the apostles designed these letters to be read aloud
It’s important to remember that in the first century world most people did not read, so the apostles designed these letters to be read aloud
3/10 (see Colossians 4:16 and 1 Thessalonians 5:27). The letters would have been read aloud by the people who delivered them, like Phoebe in Romans 16:1-2 or Tychichus in Colossians 4:7 and Ephesians 6:21.
