Apocalypse in Greek (03:07)

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The author of the Book of Revelations, John of Patmos, began the text with the Greek word for apocalypse. It does not mean what it has come to mean in English, but rather, to unveil, and make what is unclear clear.

Closing of Book of Revelations (02:49)

The book closes with Aramaic prayer even though John of Patmos wrote it to a Greek speaking population of Christians. This suggests continuity among Christianity. The prayer is a promise that Jesus is coming soon.

Apocalyptic Christians (03:52)

The atmosphere of the Christians living in the first century was apocalyptic; they expected Jesus to return and to live in the last phase of the world among them, and therefore there was to be no history. It was an expectant and hopeful atmosphere.

Deciphering the Book of Revelations (03:39)

In the beginning and the end of the text, the reader is to petition for Jesus to come. In the middle, information is given so that the believer can discern via circumstances how soon Jesus' arrival is to come. John is known to be the author because of the way his name is mentioned in the text.

John of Patmos (03:57)

The author of the Book of Revelation, says that he is on Patmos because of his testimony. It is likely that he was banished to the island, perhaps because of his religious debating with other leaders. He writes "as your brother" meaning that the recipients of the Book of Revelations knew him; he was a prophet and leader in the community.

Jewish or Christian (04:13)

The author of Book of Revelations, John, considers himself a Jew. The word Christian is not present in the text at any point. John wrote very harsh messages to the churches, calling one the "synagogue of Satan."

Real Jews, False Jews (02:49)

A rupture in Judaism occurred at the time John was writing the Book of Revelations. The group that accepts and believes in Jesus Christ will unify as Christians. The others will become Jews.

Jews and Pagans (03:21)

Jews and Pagans tolerated one another and likely cohabited with one another. John believed the Jewish world had sold out to Pagan world, worrying that the disciples of Jesus will assimilate to the surrounding world and lose his message.

Mission Competition (02:34)

There was competition between the synagogues and Christian communities. Community members attracted to Jewish monotheism did not want to become circumcised, but in Christianity, they did not have to and were immediately welcomed.

New Testament and Synagogue (04:10)

Because today's Christian texts are united in the New Testament, it is common to interpret them as all coming from one voice. In fact, the book contains conflicts and rivalries from the many competing Christian movements. Though synagogue is now thought to be a Jewish term, it meant a "gathering" when used in the "synagogue of Satan" insult.

God-Fearing Non-Jews (04:35)

In scholarship it has traditionally been interpreted that John of Patmos is addressing non-Jews when he speaks of the "synagogue of Satan," but it makes more sense to think that they were non-Jews, claiming to be Jews. They were god-fearers, participating in Jewish purity.

Religious Textual Conflicts (02:12)

The compilation of texts by two major movements, of Paul and of James, show strong tensions in the one book. Paul established a Pagan Christian state of being and there was a strong reaction from Judaeo Christians against Paul.

Palestine and Jewish Punishment (03:37)

At the beginning of the second century, violence and oppression characterized Palestine. The Jewish-Roman War was perceived to be an expression of God's wrath. The Jewish version viewed God to be destroying the Jewish people for collaborating with Romans. Christians believed Jews were being punished for not accepting Jesus.

Apocalypse of John and Christianization (05:42)

Many people attest that Revelations is a Jewish work that has been Christianized. The Apocalypse of John follows the Jewish apocalyptic model. For Christians, Jesus is the messiah of all Israel, and John of Patmos rebels against those who do not accept Jesus.

Credits: The Synagogue of Satan: Episode 1—Apocalypse (01:01)

Credits: The Synagogue of Satan: Episode 1—Apocalypse