the ultimate locus of meaning is the church’s situation in life, and not the author’s intended meaning, which is subordinate to its canonical intent.44 Conclusion The purpose of this introduction to Revelation has been to establish a context within which to interpret the book. We have done so with a particular thesis in mind: Revelation is an apocalyptic-prophetic epistle written to encourage the whole community of faith to focus its faith and life on the triumph of a sovereign God’s reign which
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