readers encourages them to locate it within a wider Christian tradition (Karrer, Johannesoffenbarung, 73–83; Schüssler Fiorenza 39). Letters from Christian leaders were read aloud when their communities gathered, and John wants his text to receive that kind of hearing (1:3; Col 4:16; 1 Thess 5:27; Justin Martyr, 1 Apol. 67). Through the interplay of the apocalyptic, prophetic, and epistolary genres, John brings a visionary message into the context of the readers. Structure has to do
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