warfare traditions in both the Israelite and pagan worlds, Barr calls this book the “war scroll” (11:19–22:21).20 Barr does not offer this analysis for theological purposes, but the theological interpreter can find much here that is useful. The threefold division has the advantage of locating the major breaks at obvious points. All commentators notice a break between the letters to the seven churches and the heavenly ascent at 4:1; many find a shift in tone and imagery at 12:1. For the theologian,
Page 32