The Scriptures in the Book of Revelation

• Published in: Neotestamentica Vol. 33; no. 2; pp. 373 - 410
• Main Author: Decock, Paul B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pretoria The New Testament Society of South Africa / Die Nuwe-Testamentiese Werkgemeenskap van Suid-Afrika 01-01-1999; New Testament Society of Southern Africa; New Testament Society of South Africa
• Subjects: Bible; Christianity; Disputed issues; Exegesis and biblical criticism; Fulfilment of scripture; History and sciences of religions; Intertextuality; Literature; New Testament; Old Testament; Oral literature; Prophecy; Prophets; Rev 17:1-22:9; Revelation; Sacred texts; Theology; Use of scriptures in revelation; Apocalypse of St. John; Relation; Bible; Christian exegesis; Judaism; Targum; John (st); Old Testament; Interpretation; Comparative study; Midrash
• ISSN: 0254-8356; 0254-8356

After a brief survey of recent research on the Scriptures in the Book of Revelation in general, this study turns to Revelation 21:1-22: 9 before addressing some disputed issues in Revelation's use of the Scriptures. Is John interpreting Scripture or does he use Scripture merely as a quarry for his own statements? While the modern understanding of interpretation finds it difficult to find common elements with ancient approaches to interpretation, post-modernity offers a better chance to appreciate John's way of dealing with the Scriptures. John's approach must be understood by situating it among the various Jewish approaches to the Scriptures. It can best be characterised as that of 'rewritten scripture' and is close to midrash and targum.