An Exegesis of Revelation 1:12-20
Aaron T. Hamer
NBST 610: Hermeneutics
September 2023
, 1
Introduction
Scholars believe The Book of Revelation was penned near the end of the 1st
century CE and during Roman Emperor Domitian’s reign (81-96 CE).1 This is based on
historical evidence and textual context. Some theories, however, propose an earlier
timeframe of being written during Nero's reign (54-68 CE).2 Revelation is a work of
apocalyptic literature. "apocalyptic" derives from the Greek word "to reveal." Christians
must believe that the Bible is a work of the supernatural that reveals God to His people.4
As such, there are passages throughout the Bible that are apocalyptic. The focus of this
paper is on the text of the Book of Revelation 1:12-20.
There have been several exegetical problems that scholars have debated over time
in Revelation 1:12-20 (Holman Christian Standard Bible revision 2020). One of those
issues orbits the highly complex and symbolic language in these verses. Some challenges
are identifying the "Son of Man," the symbolism of the stars and lampstands, the
significance of the double-edged sword, and the relationship between John's vision and
the seven churches. This paper explores the vivid imagery and symbolism of the text and
its implications for understanding the entire book.
________________________
1
Walter E. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament: A
Historical and Theological Survey. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing
Company/Baker Academics, 2013.), 359.
2
Ibid, 359.
3
Ibid, 359.
4
William W. Klein, Craig L. Bloomberg, and Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. Introduction
to Biblical Interpretation. Third Edition. (HarperCollins Publishing, 2017), 212.
Aaron T. Hamer
NBST 610: Hermeneutics
September 2023
, 1
Introduction
Scholars believe The Book of Revelation was penned near the end of the 1st
century CE and during Roman Emperor Domitian’s reign (81-96 CE).1 This is based on
historical evidence and textual context. Some theories, however, propose an earlier
timeframe of being written during Nero's reign (54-68 CE).2 Revelation is a work of
apocalyptic literature. "apocalyptic" derives from the Greek word "to reveal." Christians
must believe that the Bible is a work of the supernatural that reveals God to His people.4
As such, there are passages throughout the Bible that are apocalyptic. The focus of this
paper is on the text of the Book of Revelation 1:12-20.
There have been several exegetical problems that scholars have debated over time
in Revelation 1:12-20 (Holman Christian Standard Bible revision 2020). One of those
issues orbits the highly complex and symbolic language in these verses. Some challenges
are identifying the "Son of Man," the symbolism of the stars and lampstands, the
significance of the double-edged sword, and the relationship between John's vision and
the seven churches. This paper explores the vivid imagery and symbolism of the text and
its implications for understanding the entire book.
________________________
1
Walter E. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament: A
Historical and Theological Survey. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing
Company/Baker Academics, 2013.), 359.
2
Ibid, 359.
3
Ibid, 359.
4
William W. Klein, Craig L. Bloomberg, and Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. Introduction
to Biblical Interpretation. Third Edition. (HarperCollins Publishing, 2017), 212.
