Discovering Revelation: Content, Interpretation, Reception by David A. Desilva

Abstract

Reviewed by: Discovering Revelation: Content, Interpretation, Reception by David A. Desilva Russell Morton david a. desilva, Discovering Revelation: Content, Interpretation, Reception Discovering Biblical Texts; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2021). Pp. xii + 235. Paper $22. As part of Eerdmans's Discovering Biblical Texts series, DeSilva's volume contains a concise and helpful introduction to the critical issues relating to the interpretation of Revelation, as well as an overview of the text of the Apocalypse itself. In chap. 1, D.S. introduces the discussion by analyzing Revelation's plot, which is not strictly linear. Likewise, contrast and parody are major features of Revelation's rhetoric, as reflected in the opposition between Babylon and the New Jerusalem. Chapters 2–4 further establish a foundation for understanding Revelation. In chap. 2, D.S. introduces strategies for reading the text, including the need for considering the "world behind the text," or its historical background; the "world of the text," or the need for employing an author-centered reading; and the "world in front or the text," focusing on how readers respond to the text. D.S. discusses features of Revelation's complex genre as letter, apocalypse, and prophetic word. Regarding the latter, Revelation's emphasis on concerns of its audience is highlighted. D.S. also addresses futurist methods of interpretation, with some, especially dispensationalism, being refuted. [End Page 495] In chap. 3, D.S. analyzes the origins and transmission of Revelation's text. The Apocalypse originated in actual ecstatic experiences, which were later reflected upon in the light of the Jewish/Christian Scriptures. D.S. accepts a late first-century date for Revelation's composition, although John wrote in expectation of intensified persecution rather than as response to an imperially sponsored persecution itself. In chap. 4, D.S. discusses the historical and social location of the text, noting that John opposed not only Roman Asia Minor's religious environment but also Rome's economic exploitation and dominance over the provinces. This examination provides an especially helpful contextualization of Revelation's original message as well as a strategy for its later application, anticipating the conclusions of chap. 12. Chapters 5–11 offer an overview of the contents of the Apocalypse. Revelation 1 (chap. 5) provides an epistolary introduction that establishes John's prophetic authority. The vision of the exalted Jesus contrasts Christ's lordship with the illegitimate claims of Roman emperors. How this authority is exercised in Revelation 2–3 through the letters to selected seven churches of Asia Minor is described in chap. 6. Chapter 7, "Visions of the Cosmic Centre" treats Revelation 4–5, noting the contrast between the real authority of God and Christ against imperial claims. The adoration of God and Christ presents "audiences with a model of a cosmos that is ordered rightly" (p. 103), in contrast to the wrongly ordered world of Babylon in Rev 17:1–19:10. Chapter 8 describes the three sequences of divine judgments: the seals (Rev 6:1–8:1); the trumpets (8:2–11:19), and the bowls (chaps. 15–16). D.S. groups the three sequences somewhat differently than do some scholars, delineating the sections as chaps. 6–9; 10–11; and 15–16. While these sequences are not linear, neither are they strict recapitulations. In chap. 9, D.S. analyzes John's perspectives on Roman power and propaganda reflected in Revelation 12–14. The Seer employs parody to undermine the mythic underpinnings of Roman power and Rome's imperial economy. Roman authority, culminating in the sealing of adherents of the imperial cult (chaps. 12–13), is contrasted with the endurance of the 144,000 saints, who receive divine blessing in 14:6–13. John's abhorrence of compromise corresponds to the biblical tradition's condemnation of idolatry. John's dependence on the prophetic tradition is confirmed in the three descriptions of divine judgment in 14:14–20, where the horrific images of judgment encourage readers/hearers to resist steadfastly any temptation to compromise with their surrounding society. In chap. 10, D.S. concludes that Rev 17:1–19:10 exposes the true nature of the goddess Roma. John sees Rome not as the virtuous woman but as the vile prostitute whose exploitation of...