Introduction to the Eschatology in the Book of Revelation
ἔσχατον (éskhaton) : Origin From Ancient Greek, (neuter of ἔσχατος (éskhatos, “last”)) + -logy ( logos- “ knowledge” ).
Other meanings in Greek : "last, furthest, uttermost, extreme, most remote"
Genre of Revelation : Apocalyptic literature
- Apocalypse: “pulls back the curtain” the “revelation of what is hidden”
- Book of Revelation is in the category of apocalyptic literature
- Revelation is a revelation of the “Last” things.
Types of Eschatology
Historical eschatology appears in one of three distinct forms—
- Messianism, ( saviour/Redeemer)
- Millennialism ( 1000 year reign of God) and
- Apocalypticism. ( cataclysmic intervention of God)
Eschatology in the Gospels and Epistles
- Matthew 24:21, 27,24:30, 24:31,
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17,
- 1 Corinthians. 15:42–44.
- Revelation : 20
Historical Eschatology in the Bible
- Fall ( after creation) - Eating of the Fruit ( cataclysmic)
- Flood (Cataclysmic) – Noah : Sign of renewal of God’s Promise: Messianism
- Tower of Babel – Dispersion ( cataclysmic)
- Abraham – ( Sign of renewal of God’s Promise : Messianism)
- Nations : War/Exile/slavery ( Dispersion : Cataclysmic )
- Judges / Kings as deliverer – ( Sign of Renewal of God’s Promise : Messianic)
