Christians live in two overlapping ages: this present age and the age to come. By examining Revelation and apocalyptic literature from the Gospels and the Old Testament, it can be argued that end-time events and the age to come have already begun. This understanding, however, can present many challenges. How do we explain this blending of present and future? How do the future resurrection of the body and the return of Christ impact pastoral care and sermon preparation now?
C. Marvin Pate provides an accessible guide to the distinctive content, form, and function of apocalyptic literature. Key principles of interpretation specific to this genre are presented, as well as steps in communicating the theological messages of apocalyptic passages in the Bible. Pate's in-depth explanations offer a reliable introduction to this field of literature as well as new insights into the texts.
About the Author:
C. Marvin Pate (PhD, Marquette University) is chair of the department of Christian theology and the Elma Cobb Professor of Christian Theology at Ouachita Baptist University. He is the author and editor of numerous works, including 40 Questions About the Historical Jesus; Four Views on the Book of Revela- tion; The Writings of John: A Survey of the Gospel, Epistles, and Apocalypse; Romans (Teach the Text Commentary Series); and From Plato to Jesus.
About the Editor:
John D. Harvey (ThD, Wycliffe College) is dean of the seminary and school of ministry at Columbia International University. He is the author of several books, including Interpreting the Pauline Letters.