| Abstract
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Four aspects of the interpretation of Revelation are considered. First, the main structure of Revelation includes worship scenes at transition points between major vision cycles. The expression ‘in the Spirit’ plays an important supporting role by linking the initial visions of the churches on earth and God in heaven, and later contrasting Babylon with New Jerusalem. Second, discerning the work of the Spirit was a challenge for Revelation’s early readers. Criteria include witness to Jesus and fostering worship of God. Third, Revelation has a dynamic approach to salvation, which involves both warnings of judgment and promises that give hope. Fourth, Revelation focuses on the situation of the early readers, who lived under the Roman Empire, but its imagery includes prophetic critiques from other periods, helping the imagery to engage readers beyond that original context. Four aspects of the interpretation of Revelation are considered. First, the main structure of Revelation includes worship scenes at transition points between major vision cycles. The expression ‘in the Spirit’ plays an important supporting role by linking the initial visions of the churches on earth and God in heaven, and later contrasting Babylon with New Jerusalem. Second, discerning the work of the Spirit was a challenge for Revelation’s early readers. Criteria include witness to Jesus and fostering worship of God. Third, Revelation has a dynamic approach to salvation, which involves both warnings of judgment and promises that give hope. Fourth, Revelation focuses on the situation of the early readers, who lived under the Roman Empire, but its imagery includes prophetic critiques from other periods, helping the imagery to engage readers beyond that original context.
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