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Why is Revelation’s first-century historical context important to understanding the book? How has your understanding of Revelation changed after learning more about its historical context?
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Since the book was written in the first century to a first-century audience, it is reasonable to believe that it would have been understood by its original audience. Since the type of literature would be familiar to a first-century audience, then they would have understood it better than we would today. Also, the historical setting would determine how the writer communicates with his audience. If we are able to understand the historical context of the first-century readers, it would assist us in our understanding.
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It is imparitive to understand Revelatin in its historical context, because it is so easy for the book to be misinterpretted due to its symbolic language. Seeing Revelation as primarily a forthtelling prophesy rather than a foretelling prophesy helps explain most of the misinterpretations that abound. When it is looked at as apocalyptic literature, it also helps eliminate misinterpretation of the symbols and symbology that are often used to create fanciful charts and predictions of future events, and allows us to see the true message that is being communicated for applicaiton in our own current situation and circumstances. Seeing it as a letter really zeros in on its purpose, because as a letter it has a practical application for its readers and defines the context of what is being discussed. All of these things help to calm the raging fires of misinterpretation surrounding this book.
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Why is Revelation’s first-century historical context important to understanding the book? John was writing to people maybe not as educated as we are, and the persecution of these people would have been a factor in this. And how the rome would affect them.
How has your understanding of Revelation changed after learning more about its historical context? Without knowing the historical context, you could not make use of this great book today. Understanding how life was, traditions and spiritual life would be key. -
John is unveiling his current day living conditions so people understand his prophetic message and respond correctly as The LORD’S people. I now understand that the book of revelations is not foretelling the future. It’s describing the current state of his world through symbols and metaphors that people of his time and the future understand the situation and know how to respond as God’s people.
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To understand what the writer is trying to convey we must understand the readers situation and world view. The readers in this case were first century Christians being persecuted by the Roman Empire.
I can better understand by attempting to form my world view to conform to first century people.