Seeing Things John's Way

by deSilva, David A.

• ISBN13: 9780664224493
• ISBN10: 0664224490
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-06-29
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Pr

Summary

The emotionally evocative power of the book of Revelation has been often noted and experienced by interpreters, but until now it has never been systematically explored. The strange visions of the book of Revelation provide some of the most difficult passages of the New Testament, yet Christians have long been fascinated by its power and provocative pronouncements. David deSilva analyzes how the book argues and persuades us to see the world through the eyes of John, and suggests that the study of ancient rhetoric is particularly valuable in understanding the book of Revelation. Professor deSilva interprets the book of Revelation as a rhetorical and communicative strategy to persuade a particular audience for specific goals. Throughout this analysis, he pursues John'¿¿s construction of his own authority, John'¿¿s use of emotion and logic, and his attempt to shape the formation of the reader. Despite the complexities of Revelation, deSilva has produced a remarkably clear text sure to cause readers to rethink their view of Revelation.

Author Biography

David A. deSilva is Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio. He is the author of more than ten books on the New Testament.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xi
Abbreviations	p. xiii
"Favored Are Those Who Read": Orientations to Revelation in the History of Interpretation	p. 1
The Rhetorical Setting of Revelation: Seven Congregations in the Roman Province of Asia	p. 29
What Does John Really Want? The Rhetorical Goals of Revelation	p. 65
"What Is and What Will Be Hereafter": The Cosmos according to John	p. 93
Why Should We Listen to John? The Construction of Ethos in Revelation	p. 117
Stealing Authority? John's Use of the Hebrew Bible	p. 147
The Strategic Arousal of Emotions in the Oracles to the Seven Churches	p. 175
"I Saw a Monster Rising Up!" Appeals to Pathos in the Visions of Revelation	p. 193
Appeals to Rational Argument (Logos) in Revelation: The Seven Oracles	p. 229
Argumentation in John's Visions: Revelation 14:6-13 as Focal Summary of Main Points	p. 257
Literary Logic in Revelation: Rational Argument through Narrative and Intertexture	p. 285
John's Vision beyond the Roman World: What Might the Spirit Continue to Say to the Churches?	p. 313
Bibliography	p. 351
Index of Ancient Texts	p. 365
Index of Modern Authors	p. 381
Index of Subjects	p. 385
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.