Revelation 20:1–10 within the overall paradigm theological thrust of John’s Apocalypse

Abstract

Revelation 20:1–10 has been discussed and debated from the earliest of times within Christian circles. The question has always been whether Revelation 20 ‘occurs’ after the return of Jesus Christ or whether it is to be appreciated as having a unique contribution to the overall message of the Apocalypse addressing the present church age. The objective of this article is to argue for the coherent complex structure of the Apocalypse including Revelation 20:1–10. The method will be a study of the entire Apocalypse to demonstrate how it functions coherently within its genre. The goal is to argue for a meaningful appreciation of the unique contribution of Revelation 20:1–10 to the present eschatological context of the church within the overall theological thrust. The chances of this chapter succeeding the return of Jesus Christ depicted in Revelation 19, as some would argue, are very remote. Three major themes are given in these 10 verses which are covered within the overall body of the Apocalypse and find a climax in this important chapter.