Understanding the Genre of Revelation

The book of Revelation, often misunderstood as primarily concerning the end of the world, is actually a genre of apocalyptic literature that reveals deeper spiritual truths. Apocalyptic literature involves a visionary experience where the individual encounters spiritual beings and gains insights about the material and spiritual world. This genre is characterized by its layering of realities, akin to using an overhead projector to illuminate the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. Revelation serves to unveil spiritual realities at a time of persecution, thus offering hope and guidance rather than solely predictions about the future.