Certain themes are common to apocalyptic literature: • a growing sense of hopelessness as wicked powers grow in strength • the promise that the sovereign God will intervene • visions with a heavenly perspective that helps the faithful endure present suffering • God’s intervention in overcoming and destroying evil • the call to believers to live righteously • the call to persevere under trial • God’s final deliverance and restoration, with the promise to dwell with His people We see all of these in the