The Apocalypse in the early church : Christ, eschaton, and millennium
Patristic exegesis of the Apocalypse from Papias to Eusebius falls into three categories. They are (1) chiliastic (or anti-chiliastic), (2) eschatological and (3) christocentric. The interpretations arise in different contexts and are difficult to reconcile with one another. It is sometimes possible to find both the eschatological and the christological exegeses in the same author (Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Methodius, Victorinus). The chiliastic interpretation is interested only in Apoc 20-22. It arises in the Jewish Christian context and firmly professes belief in a one-thousand-year-reign of Christ on earth (Cerinthus, Nepos, Justin). It opts for a 'realistic' - i.e. a concrete and historical - future fulfilment of Apoc 20:2-7. It foresees a restoration of the terrestrial Jerusalem and of paradise. The restoration of paradise extends even to the primordial subjection of the animals to man (Irenaeus and perhaps Papias). The second interpretation of the Apocalypse is eschatological. It arises in response to Hellenisers (Gnostics, Marcion, Hermogenes) who spiritualise the Christian theology of the resurrection of the body and discard the Old Testament. As with the first interpretation, its interpretation of the
Helms, Charles Robert
Bible--Revelation--Criticism, interpretation, etc.--History
The Apocalypse in the early church : Christ, eschaton, and millennium. Patristic exegesis of the Apocalypse from Papias to Eusebius falls into three categories. They are (1) chiliastic (or anti-chiliastic), (2) eschatological and (3) christocentric. The interpretations arise in different contexts and are difficult to reconcile with one another. It is sometimes possible to find both the eschatological and the christological exegeses in the same author (Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Methodius, Victorinus). The chiliastic interpretation is interested only in Apoc 20-22. It arises in the Jewish Christian context and firmly professes belief in a one-thousand-year-reign of Christ on earth (Cerinthus, Nepos, Justin). It opts for a 'realistic' - i.e. a concrete and historical - future fulfilment of Apoc 20:2-7. It foresees a restoration of the terrestrial Jerusalem and of paradise. The restoration of paradise extends even to the primordial subjection of the animals to man (Irenaeus and perhaps Papias). The second interpretation of the Apocalypse is eschatological. It arises in response to Hellenisers (Gnostics, Marcion, Hermogenes) who spiritualise the Christian theology of the resurrection of the body and discard the Old Testament. As with the first interpretation, its interpretation of the
apocalypse early_church christ millennium patristic exegesis apocalypse eusebius fall_three category anti eschatological christocentric interpretation arise different_context difficult reconcile one_another sometimes possible eschatological christological exegesis author interpretation interested arises jewish_christian context firmly profess belief thousand year reign christ earth justin realistic concrete historical future fulfilment restoration terrestrial jerusalem restoration extend even primordial subjection animal man perhaps second interpretation apocalypse eschatological arises response christian_theology resurrection body discard old_testament first interpretation interpretation