The dating of the book of Revelation has been a subject of debate among scholars. Two main viewpoints have been proposed:
1. Early Date (Neronian Period): Some scholars argue for an early date of writing during the reign of Nero (around A.D. 64-68). This view suggests that Revelation was written as a response to Nero's persecution of Christians after the burning of Rome in A.D. 64. Some evidence for this includes the numerical value of the Hebrew letters spelling "Nero Caesar" being equivalent to 666, which appears in Revelation 13:18.
2. Late Date (Domitianic Period): The more widely accepted view is that Revelation was written during the reign of Domitian (around A.D. 81-96). This perspective is based on the testimony of early church fathers like Irenaeus, who explicitly dates Revelation to Domitian's emperorship. Some scholars argue that the language and style of Revelation align better with this later period. Additionally, the rise of emperor worship and attempts to enforce it under Domitian's rule could have influenced the apocalyptic themes in the book. (Gundry, 549)
Revelation fits into the category of apocalyptic literature through its use of highly symbolic language and its focus on revealing divine secrets about the future. Apocalyptic literature typically includes visions, angelic messengers, and symbolic imagery to convey hidden truths. In Revelation, the visions and symbols depict cosmic events, celestial beings, and divine judgments. The book offers a dramatic portrayal of the ultimate triumph of good over evil, the final judgment, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The use of Old Testament allusions and references, along with the emphasis on the end times, eschatological hope, and cosmic conflict, are key characteristics of apocalyptic literature found in Revelation.
Comments