In this article titled “The Time of the End of Times in the Apocalyptical Literature” the author presents the study about the biblical vision of the final time which concern two domains ...christological and ecclesiological. This patristic study pertains to several subjects set forth in section and sub-section titles, such as: Christ as the Eternal Day of God, the Parousia as the Second Coming of Christ, the Day of Judgement, the Great Tribulation or Persecution (Mt 24: 21; Mk 13: 19; por. Dan 12: 1), “the great distress” (Rev 7: 14), the time of Pagans persisting for forty two months, the fall of Jerusalem (Mt 24: 1-3; Mk 13: 1-4; Lk 21: 5-7. 20), “abomination of desolation” (Dan 9: 27; 11: 3; 12: 11), Gog and Magog from the vision of Ezekiel (Ezek 38-39) and Apokalypse (Rev 20: 8), a great apostasy will be a prelude to the Second Coming of Christ, “a hundred and forty-four thousand who had his Lamb’s name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads and who had been ransomed from the earth” (Rev 14: 1. 3), Antichrist (1Jn 2: 18. 22; 4: 2-3; 2Jn 7) and his time three and a half years (Rev 11: 9. 11) or forty-two months (Rev 11: 2; 13: 5). The Antichrist refers to the ruling spirit of error, the enemy of the Gospel, and the opponent of Christ who will precede His Second Coming and the end of the world. He is the incarnation of wickedness, pride, and hostility toward Christ’s redemptive work. This section delves into the number 666 (Rev 13: 18; 15: 2), false prophets (2Pet 2: 1), false teachers (2Pet 2: 1). In the biblical apocalyptic literature we can find a few visions of the cosmic catastrophes and cataclysms such as “earthquakes” (Mt 24: 7; Mk 13: 8), “famines” (Mt 24: 7; Mk 13: 8). In this study, appeared the theory of Millenarianism (from Latin mille) or chiliasm (from Greek c…lioi) based on a literal interpretation of Apocalypse (Rev 20: 2-7) which interpretation teaches that the visible personal rule of Christ on earth will last for a duration of a thousand years before the end of the world. Two themes are given special study in this article. First is the distinction of the interpretation of time. Second, is the interpretation of the prophetic announcements and eschatological visions from the Bible, and the potential influence of the ancient apocalyptic stories and writings in the redaction of the Bible. As to the first theme, the application of Greek distinction of concept of time as duration (crÒnoj) from time as fulfilment and accomplishment (kairÒj) to the Hebrew conception of time is problematic. Substantial biblical concept of time is an event which pertains to time, otherwise as time having specific event, more then a time extending indefinite time. In the theological perspective, perception of time is therefore an action of God. From the very beginning to the end of Biblical History, time is the means of God’s deeds of salvation. Thence for the biblical author, the historic-redemptive (salvation) concept of the world appears before his metaphysical conception. This concept is also readily apparent in the description of the seven days from the ancient Semitic cosmogony well-known from the Book of Genesis. This topic contains an important christological and messianic aspect. The history of the world become conditioned and dependant, defined and designated by the existence of the Word of God, Creation and Incarnation by the birth of the Son of God, fulfilment of time by the second coming of the Son of Man siting at the right hand of God (Mk 16: 19; Heb 12: 2), the end of time by the judgement of God. One can speak of christological concept of time and also of christological concept of the world. The discussion of the second theme revolves around the interpretation of the Fathers of the Church on apocalyptic writings. This analysis of the meaning of the apocalyptical symbols is presented according to the interpretation of the Fathers of the Church, starting with all commentary of the Book of Revelation written from the beginning to the 12th Century. Outstanding among Greek and Latin writers from the ancient time through the Middle Ages are: Papias of Hierapolis, Justin Martyr, Hippolytus, Irenaeus of Lyon, Origen, Tertullien, Lactance, Eusebius of Caesarea, Didymus of Alexandria, Victorinus of Pettau, Gregory of Nyssa, Jerome, Augustine of Hippo, Quodvultdeus, Primasius, Caesarius of Arles, Gregory the Great, Isidore of Seville, Raban Maur, Bede the Venerable, Ambroise Autpert, Beatus of Liébana, Rupert of Deutz, Joachim of Fiore, Richard of Saint-Victor. It is well known that, between the years 200 B.C. and 150 A.D., prophetic writings appeared in certain Jewish or Christian circles. These prophetic writings were called Apocalypses. After a careful analysis, this article hypothesizes that the Bible is influenced by this ancient apocalyptic literature. The Biblical Apocalyptic Literature was dependent upon formularies and expressions used in the ancient Apocalyptic Literature. Some symbols or apocalyptic numbers were accepted from the ancient Literature, sometimes diminishing and sometimes enlarging their meaning. On the basis of formularies and symbols from Biblical Apocalyptic, the Fathers of the Church built their own historical-theological interpretation of eschatological events. In the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, there are prophetic announcements and eschatological visions. The New Testament is a repetition of those visions and those announcements made in the Old Testament. The Book of Revelation is the conclusion of those announcements and the accomplishment of those visions. An example of this use of the apocalyptical symbols in the theological and historical contexts by the Christian writers is found in the interpretation of the vision of Gog and Magog. The vision of the Gog and Magog was usually interpreted in the historical context. They were identified with Goths, Barbaric people who invaded and conquered most of the Roman Empire in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th centuries. Yet this epic figure is reinterpreted with the turn of each new century. In the new historical context, the writers give a new interpretation, but the theology of these symbols remains the same.
Premda je u Kumranu pronađen relativno mali broj originalnih apokaliptičkih spisa, apokaliptičke teme nerijetko su predmet rasprave na području kumranskih istraživanja. U ovom izlaganju najprije se ...navode spisi koji u svojem naslovu imaju riječ apokalipsa. Zatim se predstavljaju ostali važniji spisi s apokaliptičkim sadržajima kao što su posljednja bitka između dobra i zla, mesijanski likovi, periodizacija povijesti, vječni hram i njegovo bogoslužje.
The author of the article offers a contextual analysis of Rev 21:8. The text describes the eternal punishment using the metaphor of the fiery lake of burning sulfur. In the context of the Book of ...Revelation, the whole Bible and the extra-biblical sources the analysis of this image leads to the conclusion that this is a place or state of eternal damnation, deprived of hope and any possibility of changing the fate of those who are there. It is an ultimate deprivation of the possibility of communion with God. Rev 21:8 also presents a list of those who are potentially endangered with eternal damnation, which is analyzed in the light of other enumerations from the Book of Revelation (9:20-21; 21:27; 22:15). It shows that this is not a complete list, but rather a kind of portrait or model of those who can be condemned. All the faults or sins mentioned in this text – to a greater or lesser extent – refer to idolatry or are the consequence of it. Thus, they become an image of the pagan world in which Christians live and which can threaten them from within. In this context, Rev 21:8 is a type of warning for Christians called to the community of the saved. The aim of their lives is to live in the Holy City (a perfect communion with God and the Lamb), not in the “fiery lake of burning sulfur”. Christians are to live like the saved people, not like the people of this world, a pagan world immersed in idolatry. The pericope of Rev 21:8-9 read in the context of the whole Book of Revelation shows all the chances or opportunities given to Christians to participate in an unlimited eternal life.
Księga Apokalipsy św. Jana posługuje się licznymi terminami, przynależącymi do puli semantycznej świata stworzonego. Uwagę wśród nich przyciągają kamienie, z racji największego bogactwa rodzajowego. ...Włączone w obraz fundamentów Nowego Jeruzalem – Oblubienicy Baranka oddają bogactwo i różnorodność przejawów relacji Boga z człowiekiem. Ich lokacja wydaje się oddawać refleks intymności, ukrycia, głębi duchowej. Paleta barw, dostępna ludzkiej percepcji jedynie przy świetle, w konwencji Apokalipsy odsyła do Stwórcy, opisanego w porównaniu do złota, blasku, jaspisu, przejrzystości kryształu. Stopień bliskości z Nim warunkuje obszar odkrytego piękna. Aspekt wspólnotowy, oddany został wzmianką o imionach Apostołów na poszczególnych warstwach kamieni. Sekwencja wyakcentowana liczebnikami porządkowymi uwypukla harmonię i ład obecne w tej przestrzeni relacji. Co znamienne autor natchniony nie odsuwa tej ostatniej w przyszłość eschatologiczną, lecz zaprasza do odkrywania dziś, w rzeczywistości osobistego życia duchowego.
The article discusses the role of Christ the Lamb in the light of Rev 5,6-10. In the first plane Christ appears in the glory of his victory. A visible sign of this victory is the place in the midst ...of the divine throne. At first his victory consists in martyr’s death. It entitled God to enter into a new bond with the people purchased for him. But the victory of the Lamb cannot be limited only to the martyrdom. For he appears in this vision as "standing, as though it had been slain". Such pose suggests victory not only through the martyrdom, but also through the resurrection. The victory achieved by the Lamb gives him right to take the scroll: from the right band of "the One, who is sitting on the throne". This scroll symbolizes divine plan toward the world and the people. Banding of the scroll to the Lamb means to initiate this scheme. For this reason the resurrection of Christ the Lamb can be seen as a key event to the accomplishment of God's purpose. Divine project is being realized in the history of the world and 1he people. Attitude of men expresses either approval of 1he divine plan or refusal of it. In this context we can speak about judgment (it is suggested by OT-background of 1he symbol of a scroll-book). Judgment consists in a division of humankind in to two groups. One group includes those people who are on God's side. They accept divine plane (which culminates in the resurrection of Christ) and by their life participate in the fulfilment of it. The other group rejects divine project by coming out against God and Lamb. The sentence is simply a consequence of their choice: the reward for the faithful and punishment for the disloyal ones.
The article addresses the question of doxologies as found in the Apocalypse. The proposed analysis comprises of three principal parts. The first element was to characterize doxology as biblical ...prayer of worship to God. It was then followed by the description of eight doxologies present in the last Book of the New Testament (1:5b-6; 4:8-11; 5:9-14; 7:9-12; 11:15-18; 15:3-4; 16:5-7; 19:1-8), which are a paradigm for Christian prayer of worship, in particular communal prayer, considered in the last point of the deliberations. The examined doxologies of the Apocalypse confirm thoroughly the liturgical character of the last Book of the New Testament. They are an unceasing hymn of the Church, which gathers to worship, with powerful voice, its Creator and Savior. Thus it invariably recognizes the great gifts of God, accepting them and letting them bear fruit in the life of a community and individual believers. The Church fulfills its priestly mission and prepares to reign with God. The doxologies of the Apocalypse become then a significant “handbook” in the school of prayer of the New Testament.
Autor podejmuje kwestię kapłaństwa w Apokalipsie św. Jana, w której trzykrotnie mówi się o kapłaństwie chrześcijańskim (1,6; 5,9; 20,6). Punktem wyjścia artykułu jest analiza tekstu Ap 1,6, w którym ...zgromadzona wspólnota wyraża swoją godność kapłańską, przeżywaną na sposób kapłaństwa Jezusa Chrystusa. Chrześcijanie wspólnoty liturgicznej muszą odpowiedzieć, w jaki sposób realizuje się ich kapłaństwo. Czynią to poprzez refleksję nad orędziem Apokalipsy w świetle Starego Testamentu. W kontekście Wj 19,4-6 odkrywają, iż znajdują się w miejscu, w którym konkretyzuje się panowanie Boga objawione historycznie w misterium paschalnym Jezusa. Rozpoznając panowanie Boga, wspólnota mu się poddaje poprzez realizację swego kapłaństwa. Ta służba kapłańska urzeczywistnia się w miłości, kulcie chrześcijańskim i w pójściu za Chrystusem, które kulminuje w męczeństwie. Poprzez męczeństwo chrześcijanie dają świadectwo panowaniu Boga w świecie.
L'articolo affronta il tema della relazione dei cristiani al potere temporale civile alla luce dell'Apocalisse di san Giovanni. L'autore dell'Apocalisse presenta il potere civile come un sistema ...terrestre che vuole escludere dalla vita sociale Dio stesso. Giovanni lo fa tramite tre immagini: una bestia dal mare (13,1-10), un'altra bestia dalla terra (13,11-18) e la grande prostituta (17-18). Questi tre personaggi vengono descritti come i servi di satana. L'analisi delia simbologia di tutti i tre quadri ci ha portato alla conclusiane che il primo personaggio rappresenta lo stato che vuole essere adorato e cosi occuppare il posto appartenente a Dio stesso, il secondo si riferisce alla propaganda di tale stato, infine la figura della grande prostituta e una descrizione dell'aspetto consumistico della societa umana. L'emanazione storica di questi tre immagini fu sicuramante nei tempi dell'Apocalisse l'impero romano. Il cristiano vivendo in tale sistema deve essere consapevole della sua potenza e sapere che cosa bisogna fare con questo sistema che crea un contesto omogeno negativo e trova la sua ultima manifestziane nella consumistica citta di Babilonia. Il potere dello stato, della sua propaganda, del consumismo non possano occupare nella vita dei cristiani il posto di Gesu Cristo, l'unico salvatore de l mondo.
Rozgniewały się narody (Ap 11,18) Popielewski, Wojciech
Verbum vitae : półrocznik biblijno-teologiczny,
12/2006, Letnik:
10
Journal Article
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The time of the origin of the Revelation was the time when Domitian was ruling. He was not a bloodthirsty persecutor of Christians, yet he was ruthless when faced with lack of respect to bimself or ...his position, and to the state as well. Historical sources mention two facts connected to the Church situation coming from the time of the Revelation's origin. On the one band, there were no regular persecutions against the Church. On the other band, John's exile to Patmos (1.9), Antipas's death (2.13) and the overall atmosphere of tension and danger felt throughout the Revelation, are all connected with the conflict between the Churches of Asia Minor and the Roman Empire. Aside from the Church - the people called to worship real God- the Revelation depicts the anti-church that do not praise God, but instead it worships the dragon (13.4) and the beast (cf. 13.12) and what is more it loathes God worshippers, spilling their blood. The Famous Prostitute is the last link of the satanic system directed against God. The etemal war between Satan and God lasts throughout the history. The Revelation demonstrates that there is God - the Lamb and those with a seal on their foreheads (cf. 7 .3), but also there is Satan - Beast and those with his mark placed (13.16). Satan then does not act alone. He penetrates human structures and makes use of them. The Revelation reveals the order in which subsequent elements of satanic structure are enterlog the histoncal arena. Firstly, Satan rises up against God, and unable to defeat him, tums against the Woman-Church and the rest of her descendants (Rev 12). Afterwards, the Beast, equipped with Satan's power, and the False Prophet emerge (Rev 13). Lastly, arises the Famous Prostitute, a woman sitting on a red beast (17 .3). The w oman is drunk with the blood of God's people and the blood of those who ... were loyal to Jesus (17.6). She is the Devil's surrogate and his deeds are manifested in her. The ruin of Prostitute is an indication and a waming of a definite downfall of other links of that ungodly system. When the Famous Prostitute has died, the Beast and the False Prophet will perish (19.20), and after that the Devil himself (20.10). Christians of the tum o f the frrst century regard these words as a portent of the downfali of Rome (Babylon ..., the Famous Prostitute), and the whole empire (the Beast) with its religious propaganda (the False Prophet) and finally as a promise of the downfall of Satan - the creator ofthis idolatrous system. The liturgy of God's victory over Babylon hecomes the celebration of the prophesy of exterminating evil at its source. Joyful tone of the Great Doxology follows from the fact that judgement over Babylon reveals, in the first place, who God is. God comes over to judge as an Almighty Saviour. He gives judgement at the time that he bas prearranged himself. The martyrs entrust God with the revenge for their spilled blood ( 6.1 0). God dresses them up in garments of glory but the judgement is not given straight away.The period between God's intervention and the martyr's calling will be a little while longer ( cf. 6.11 ), a little longer in his perception. God is not indifferent to the martyr's calls. The time is to come when he finds the blood of all those who have been killed on earth (18.24), and wben he judges those who are responsible for spilling their blood.
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