Discovering Revelation: Content, Interpretation, Reception

By David A. deSilva

The book of Revelation has been received over the past several centuries with both fascination and aversion, but one thing is certain: it has profoundly shaped Christian history and culture. And the way it has shaped history and culture has been determined, in large part, by how the book has been variously--and sometimes irresponsibly--interpreted. David A. deSilva addresses the interpretation and reception-history of Revelation in this compact, up-to-date, and student-friendly introduction to the book of Revelation, focusing on its structure, content, theological concerns, key interpretive debates, and historical reception. Discovering Revelation draws on a range of methodological approaches (author-, text-, and reader-centered) as complementary rather than mutually exclusive ways of interpreting the text. DeSilva pays special attention to defining features of Revelation, such as its use of sequences of seven as a major structuring device, its nonlinear plotline, and its deployment of contrast and parody. As deSilva writes, "A text as rich and multidimensional as Revelation calls for its readers to adopt a rich and multidimensional approach that draws upon a variety of interpretative angles and skills.".

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802872425
• ISBN13: 9780802872425
• Release Date: April 2021
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 250 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 8.9"