Over the years critics have challenged the inspiration of the book of
Revelation because its literary form is similar to a controversial body
of writings known as apocalyptic literature. This type of literature
was fairly common just before and during the apostolic era. Well-meaning
authors, concerned about conditions in that era (200 B.C. to A.D. 100),
often employed this dramatic form of writing to express their views on
how the age-old conflict between good and evil finally would be resolved.
Apocalyptic writers frequently borrowed symbols and other imagery from
the Old Testament prophets. But far too often they enhanced and embellished
biblical material to suit their own fantasies. Hoping to give their theories
greater weight and authority, they falsely attributed their writings to
notable prophets and figures from the past. By using deceptive pseudonyms,
the authors gave their writings the appearance of having been written by
well-known prophets of ancient times while concealing their true identity.
As a result, apocalyptic writing as a class of literature is generally
recognized as unreliable, lacking credibility and having no legitimate
claim to divine authority. Regrettably, far too many scholars and critics
place the book of Revelation, the Apocalypse of the Bible, in the same
class.
They don't realize that the book of Revelation is in a class of its own.
Its dramatic symbolism comes from the divine author of all the other books
of the Bible, not from the imaginations of John. John simply recorded what
Jesus Christ revealed to him.
The writings of John are of the same genre as Old Testament prophecies.
He was a faithful disciple of Jesus Himself. He makes it clear he received
his prophetic visions directly from Christ, making him a prophet in his
own right. Unlike the apocalyptic writers of his era who hid behind deceptive
pseudonyms, John clearly identifies himself and explains in vivid detail
how he received the visions and messages included in the book of Revelation.
