Revelation: Introduction to Genre and Scope; The “Elect Lady” in 2 John

The session focuses on two areas: first, identifying the addressees in 2 John (“the elect lady and her children”), and second, orienting the reading of Revelation by recognizing its genres, biblical background, and apocalyptic features.

The “Elect Lady and Her Children” in 2 John

Second John opens “from the Elder” and addresses “the elect lady and her children.” The most plausible reading takes “elect lady” as a metaphor for a local congregation, with “her children” referring to its members. Internal cues support this: the writer rejoices that “some of your children” walk in the truth (v. 4) and closes with greetings from “the children of your elect sister” (v. 13)—language that naturally fits churches greeting one another.

  • “The Elder”: an authoritative church leader (possibly the Apostle John or another John known in early tradition), noted without settling the identity debate.
  • Congregational metaphor: “lady/sister” for a church coheres with biblical usage (e.g., 1 Pet 5:13: “she who is in Babylon… sends greetings”).
  • Pastoral thrust: the address supports exhortations to walk in truth and love, framed to a whole community rather than a private individual.

Revelation 1:1–11: What Kind of Writing Is This?

Revelation announces itself with multiple literary signals in its opening: it is an apocalypse (“revelation of Jesus Christ”), a prophecy (“the words of the prophecy”), and a circular letter (“John to the seven churches”). Recognizing these layers guides interpretation across the entire book, not merely in chapters 2–3.

  • Apocalypse: unveiling or disclosure of hidden, divine perspective (Rev 1:1, 1:7).
  • Prophecy: authoritative divine message to be heard and kept (Rev 1:3).
  • Epistle: addressed to historical churches in Asia; the whole work functions as a pastoral letter (Rev 1:4, 1:9).
  • Doxology: worshipful ascription (“to him who loves us and freed us…”) shapes the book’s theological tone from the outset.

Apocalyptic: Meaning and Biblical Parallels

Apocalypse literally means unveiling. In Scripture, apocalyptic portions provide a heaven’s-eye view of history—present and future—through visions, symbols, and angelic mediation. Revelation participates in this well-attested biblical mode.

  • Old Testament examples: Daniel 7–12; Ezekiel 37–39; Isaiah 24–27; Zechariah 9–14. These sections feature cosmic disturbances, visionary scenes, and symbolic personae parallel to Revelation’s imagery.
  • New Testament examples: the “Little Apocalypse” (Mark 13; parallels in Matt 24–25; Luke 21); 2 Thessalonians 2 (man of lawlessness); 2 Peter 3 (cosmic dissolution and new creation).

Second-Temple Jewish Apocalypses as Context

Revelation is not unique in kind: Jewish apocalyptic writings from the Second-Temple period—such as 1–2 Enoch, 4 Ezra, and 2 Baruch—share characteristic features (visions, angelic interpreters, symbolic histories). Awareness of this broader literary environment helps modern readers approximate how first-century audiences would have recognized the genre.

Characteristic Features of Revelation’s Apocalyptic Mode

Several recurring features structure how the book communicates its message and how readers should orient themselves:

  • Narrative framework: visions occur within a storyworld where the seer encounters heavenly beings (e.g., elders, angels) who interpret scenes.
  • Heavenly vantage point: the seer is invited to “come up” and witness what must take place (cf. Rev 4:1), reframing earthly events from divine perspective.
  • Dialogic interpretation: questions and explanations between the seer and heavenly figures clarify symbolic elements (e.g., Rev 5:5; 7:13–14).
  • Eschatological horizon: present faithfulness is read in light of the certain final outcome—the triumph of the Lamb and renewal of creation.

Reading Strategy Shaped by Genre

Because Revelation is simultaneously apocalypse, prophecy, and letter, interpretation should account for all three: symbolic vision, divine exhortation, and pastoral application to concrete communities. The book speaks to its original first-century audiences and the ongoing church, opening earthly experience to the “behind-the-scenes” reality of God’s reign and the assured consummation of history.

KokkuvĂľte / Summary

  • 2 John’s addressee: “elect lady” = a local church; “children” = its members; “elect sister” = another congregation sending greetings.
  • Revelation’s self-presentation: at once apocalypse (unveiling), prophecy (authoritative word to be kept), and letter (to seven churches).
  • Canonical parallels: OT (Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Zechariah) and NT (Mark 13/Matt 24–25/Luke 21; 2 Thess 2; 2 Pet 3) supply apocalyptic motifs and frameworks.
  • Second-Temple context: Jewish apocalypses (e.g., 1–2 Enoch, 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch) demonstrate that Revelation participates in a wider, recognizable genre.
  • Reading posture: attend to symbolic vision, pastoral exhortation, and first-century setting while discerning the divine perspective on present trials and ultimate hope.