Biblical Nuggets: Apocalyptic

Apocalyptic: A term used to describe a literary *genre and worldview where “secrets” are revealed about the heavenly world or the kingdom of God (and the end of the world). These secrets are usually delivered through dreams or visions or by otherworldly messengers (e.g., angels) and are expressed in vivid symbols or metaphors. Apocalyptic works flourished during the Greco-Roman period (c. 200 B.C. to A.D. 200) and are not limited to biblical books but were part of the broader culture of the Mediterranean world. Often in apocalyptic literature an admonition is given to the audience to persevere and to be faithful. The community is warned that it will experience a time of suffering, but this will be followed by vindication of the righteous and a punishment of the wicked. See also apocalypse; apocalypticism.

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Arthur G. Patzia;Anthony J. Petrotta. Pocket Dictionary of Biblical Studies (p. 13). Kindle Edition.