Adult
• 5 Sessions of Learner’s Materials
• 5 Sessions of Teaching Materials
• Handouts
1. Zech 12:1-10
2. Daniel 7:1-28
3. Daniel 12:1-13
4. Matthew 24:1-51
5. Rev 20:11-21:8
From the first Y2K bug theories until the beginning of 2000, predictions and prophecies of impending disaster flooded the media. Since the first prophets and soothsayers from the ancient Near East, prophecies and predictions of the end of the world have threaded their way into the human fabric. Between the time of the restoration of the temple (early fifth century bc) and today, myriads of writers, prophets, and dreamers have shared their visions of God’s ultimate conquering of the world. However, this phenomenon was never more popular than between the third century bc until the second century ad.
During this period, among the Jews and Christians, a kind of literature existed that we describe as “apocalyptic.” The word “apocalypse” refers to things hidden, or secrets to be revealed. It is also the title of John’s book known as Revelation.
Is this literature about the future? Regarding Daniel and Revelation, many believe that the answer is yes. In fact, many people spend their entire lives trying to figure out whether these books foretell the end of the world. This is, however, neither the purpose nor the style of apocalyptic literature. Its purpose surrounds the present, not the future.
Let’s consider the book of Daniel for its style. The author lived around 167-164 bc and compiled the book using old tales of a prophet named Daniel from the sixth century (chapters 1-6). He then composed chapters 7-12 as if Daniel had written them himself 400 years earlier. Because the original audience was familiar with this technique of writing, using the name of a hero from the past, the method was not deceptive—and certainly not intentionally so. The writings have been hidden in secret until the right time: 167-164 bc—conveniently, the time of the author. The author writes to an audience of his own day and time about the events of persecution and trial he and his contemporaries are facing, as well as how those times were “prophesied” hundreds of years ago. Using wild imagery like beasts, monsters, divine beings, and a famous hero from the past (Daniel), the author relays how God will conquer these enemies. The faithful will experience possible death and certain persecution, but this much is certain: the victory will be God’s.
This unit will examine five apocalyptic texts in the Bible. Now is a perfect time to get the story straight. Apocalyptic literature does not address the future. It addresses our present.
by Marc Jolley
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