Page "Book of Revelation" Paragraph 1

The book spans three literary genres: epistolary, apocalyptic, and prophetic.

It begins with an epistolary address to the reader followed by an apocalyptic description of a complex series of events derived from prophetic visions which the author claims to have seen.

These include the appearance of a number of figures and images which have become important in Christian eschatology, such as the Whore of Babylon and the Beast, and culminate in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

The obscure and extravagant imagery has led to a wide variety of interpretations: historicist interpretations see in Revelation a broad view of history ; preterist interpretations treat Revelation as mostly referring to the events of the apostolic era ( 1st century ), or -- at the latest -- the fall of the Roman Empire ; futurists believe that Revelation describes future events ; and idealist or symbolic interpretations consider that Revelation does not refer to actual people or events, but is an allegory of the spiritual path and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.