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Biblica et Patristica Thoruniensia

Greek influences in the Revelation of John
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Greek influences in the Revelation of John

Authors

  • Michał Wojciechowski Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski, Olsztyn

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/BPTh.2012.006

Keywords

Revelation of John, hellenisation of Christianity, Greek influences in the Bible, apocalypticism, mythology

Abstract

Greek influences on the Revelation of John are related to the Hellenistic inspirations of the apocalypticism, which are visible in Daniel and other apocalypses. Their visionary elements and their interest in the future are closer to the Greek perception of the prophecy than to the Hebrew tradition. More detailed influenced can be found in Rev 1.4,8 (description of God); Rev 1.12-20 (Helios imagery, keys, astral symbolism); 666 could result from a gematria. Mythical inspirations include portraying angels and other beings (Rev 6.8; 9.1; 16.4-7; 20.13-14); modeling Rev 12 after the myths on cosmic fight and divine births (especially Apollo and Python); apocalyptic beasts similar to mythical animal hybrids (Rev 13; with Nero redux story and legends on moving statues). Currents opinions on the structures and elements of the world are reflected in Rev 5.13; 16. Platonic, Stoic and Pythagorean inspirations are possible. The author adapted freely pagan imagery, but without modifying his theology.

References

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Aune D. E., Revelation, t. 1–3, Word Biblical Commentary 52A–C, Dallas 1997–1998.

Aune D. E., The New Testament in Its Literary Environment, Cambridge 1988.

Barrett C. K. (red.), The New Testament Background. Writings from Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire That Illuminate Christian Origins, London 1987.

Beale G. K., The Book of Revelation (New International Greek Testament Commentary), Grand Rapids-Carlisle 1999.

Berger K., Hellenistische Gattungen in Neuen Testament, ANRW II/25.2 (1984): 1031–1432, 1832–1885.

Betz H. D., Antiquity and Christianity, JBL 117 (1998)1, s. 3–23.

Betz H. D., The Birth of Christianity as a Hellenistic Religion: Three Theories of Origin, “Journal of Religion”74 (1994), s. 1–25.

Böcher O., Hellenistisches in der Apokalypse des Johannes, w: Geschichte – Tradition –Reflexion, Fs. M. Hengel, t. 3, red. H. Lichtenberger, Tubingen 1996, s. 473–492.

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Clemen C., Religionsgeschichtliche Erklarung des Neuen Testaments, Berlin 1924.

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Collins J. J., Between Athens and Jerusalem, wyd. 2, Grand Rapids 2000.

Dormeyer D., Das Neue Testament im Rahmen der antiken Literaturgeschichte, Darmstadt 1993.

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Hengel M., Judentum und Hellenismus, wyd. 2, Tubingen 1973 (przekład ang. z 1974, Judaism and Hellenism).

Hessen J., Griechische oder biblische Theologie? Das Problem der Hellenisierung des Christentums in neuer Beleuchtung, wyd. 2, Munchen 1962.

Judge E. A., ‘Antike und Christentum’: Towards a Definition of the Field. A Bibliographical Study, ANRW II/23.1, Berlin–New York 1979, s. 3–58.

Kiejdo K., Księga Daniela jako przykład hellenistycznych wpływow na kulturę Izraela, diss. Wydział Teologii UWM, Olsztyn 2011.

Malherbe A. J., Hellenistic Moralists and the New Testament, ANRW II/26.1 (1992), s. 267–333.

Meleze Modrzejewski J., Żydzi nad Nilem od Ramzesa II do Hadriana, Kraków 2000.

Neuer Wettstein. Texte zum neuen Testament aus Griechentum und Hellenismus, 3 t., Berlin 2001–.

Scheffczyk L., Tendenzen und Brennpunkte der neueren Problematik um die Hellenisierung des Christentums, Munchen 1982.

Sterling G. E., Hellenistic Philosophy and the New Testament, w: Handbook to Exegesis of the New Testament, S.E. Porter (red.), New Testament Tools and Studies 25, s. 313–358.

Tcherikover V., Hellenistic Civilization and the Jews, Philadelphia 1959.

Wendland P., Die hellenistisch-romische Kultur in ihren Beziehungen zum Judentum und Christentum, Handbuch zum Neuen Testament 2, wyd. 4 zmienione, Tubingen 1972.

Zieliński T., Hellenizm a judaizm, Warszawa 1927 (wyd. nowe Toruń 2001).

Biblica et Patristica Thoruniensia

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Published

2012-12-01

How to Cite

1.
WOJCIECHOWSKI, Michał. Greek influences in the Revelation of John. Biblica et Patristica Thoruniensia. Online. 1 December 2012. Vol. 5, pp. 115-124. [Accessed 4 July 2025]. DOI 10.12775/BPTh.2012.006.
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Vol. 5 (2012): Apokalipsa św. Jana

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Biblica

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