DESCRIPTION: This course is a careful study of the New Testament Apocalypse of John, with special attention to the issues of genre, socio-historical setting, purpose, cultural-religious contexts and the variety of interpretations in the church. The theology of Revelation and suggestions for preaching will also be covered.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course, through the lectures, discussions and assignments, should enable students to (1) better know and understand Revelation; (2) understand more about the literary features of Revelation; (3) better understand the historical and cultural situations in which Revelation was written; (4) develop ability in interpreting Revelation; (5) see more clearly the nature of the New Testament as both human word and holy Scripture; (6) appreciate new ways of reading Revelation; (7) have more enthusiasm for reading Revelation; (8) use Revelation better in their ministries; and (9) move towards a deeper obedience to Scripture in their lives.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Revelation is a book too often misunderstood, feared, abused and neglected. It has a powerful message of hope, comfort and challenge for the Church, which needs to be understood and heard.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will consist of lectures and vigorous discussion. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Bauckham, Richard. The Theology of the Book of Revelation. (New Testament Theology.) Cambridge/New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Michaels, J. Ramsey. Interpreting the Book of Revelation. (Guides to New Testament Exegesis.) Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992.

Rhoads, David. From Every People and Nation: The Book of Revelation in Intercultural Perspective. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2005.

EITHER Trafton, Joseph L. Reading Revelation: A Literary and Theological Commentary. Rev. ed. Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys, 2005. OR Witherington, Ben, III. Revelation. (The New Cambridge Bible Commentary.) Cambridge/New York: Cambridge University Press, 2003.

Boyer, Paul. When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Belief in Modern American Culture. (Studies in Cultural History.) Cambridge and London: Harvard University Press, 1992.

Collins, A. Y. Crisis and Catharsis: The Power of the Apocalypse. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1984.

Pate, C. M. Four Views on the Book of Revelation. (Counterpoints.) Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998.

Wainwright, Arthur W. Mysterious Apocalypse: Interpreting the Book of Revelation. Nashville: Abingdon, 1993.

It is assumed that students will make good use of many of the standard critical commentaries on Revelation in the work of the course (listed in the syllabus) [it would be a good idea to purchase at least one of these after the class has begun].

1. Read 4 Ezra [= 2 Esdras 3-14] (found in the NRSV Apocrypha) and construct a two- to three-page outline of it [10% of the grade].

2. Write an exegesis paper (10-15 pages, including notes) on an approved paragraph of Revelation [50% of the grade].

3. Write an essay on the theology of Revelation (5-7 pages, including notes) [20% of the grade].

4. Read selected chapters of Revelation in Greek and be tested on them [20% of the grade].