Every significant layer of the New Testament features the distinctive
concerns of apocalyptic literature, including the expectation of a
messiah, hope for a resurrection, expectation of a final judgment, and a
spiritual world that includes angels and demons. Yet many contemporary
readers shy away from things apocalyptic, especially the book of
Revelation.
This introduction considers the influence of
apocalyptic literature throughout the Gospels and Acts, Paul’s letters,
and Revelation. It argues that early Christian authors drew upon
apocalyptic topics to address an impressive array of situations and
concerns, and it demonstrates—example after example—how apocalyptic
discourse contributed to their ongoing work of contextual theology.
