Discuss why apocalypses were written during times of suffering or distress. What purpose did they serve within such communities? How might this apply to the circumstances of the audience of Revelation?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Apocalypses promise their audiences that the present world order, under which they suffer, will change soon, and God will establish his perfect kingdom. This genre explains that righteous people suffer precisely because they are righteous, not because they have sinned. Their suffering, therefore, is understandable and should be expected, but it will end very soon when God defeats Satan and eliminates evil and suffering in the world. These texts encourage people to retain their faith to be rewarded when the judgment comes.

Discuss Why Apocalypses Were Written During Times of Suffering or Distress