Christ, Shepherd of the Nations: The Nations as Narrative Character and Audience in John's Apocalypse
Ebook
Does John's Apocalypse envision destruction or salvation for the nations of the world? Scholarly views on this issue range from extreme (total destruction) to extreme (universal salvation). Jon Morales maintains that the question must be reframed to highlight, not only the destiny of the nations, but also their dilemma within the drama of world history. Using narrative methodology, Morales asks four key questions concerning the nations: What is John's story of the nations? How does he tell this story? What is John's message to the nations? And what is his message to the church concerning the nations?
Literary characters cannot be understood in the abstract, but must be rather discovered sequentially in the development of an entire narrative. The nations in Revelation are no exception. Understanding that previous studies have neglected to situate the nations within Revelation's larger plot, or in interaction with other narrative characters, Morales concludes that John's purpose is to show that the nations belong to God. John achieves his purpose in part by deploying a novel metaphor, virtually unexplored until now – Christ, shepherd of the nations
Using narrative methodology Jon Morales provides a thorough analysis of 'the nations' in the book of Revelation.
A thorough narrative analysis of the nations in Revelation, including an extensive survey of research done on the nations up to the present
A fresh proposal for understanding John's story of the nations
An exploration of the metaphor of Christ as shepherd of the nations, a metaphor pregnant with meaning and masterfully deployed in Revelation
List of Tables
Abbreviations
1. A Better Way for the Nations
2. The Nations as Narrative Character: Methodological Considerations
3. Authority over the Nations
4. The Nations: Benefit and Conflict
5. The Nations in Cosmic Conflict
6. Deception and Healing of the Nations
7. The Nations and their Shepherd: Synthesis and Conclusions
Through its methodological rigour in following the nations inner-textually wherever they go, and its thorough engagement with relevant scholarship en route, Morales's account of John's story of the nations is, to my knowledge, far and away the fullest, most nuanced, and most satisfying.
Morales provides strong and cogent support for the rhetorical function of John's paradoxical presentation of the nations. This book will prove valuable to students and researchers focused on Revelation and/or narrative criticism.
- Title: Christ, Shepherd of the Nations: The Nations as Narrative Character and Audience in John's Apocalypse
- Author: Jon Morales
- Publisher: T&T Clark
- Print Publication Date: 2017
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9780567681737, 9780567689207, 0567689204, 0567681734
- Resource ID: LLS:9780567681737
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-12T04:02:24Z
JON MORALES (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Lead Pastor at Woodside Bible Church in Royal Oak, MI, USA, and adjunct professor of New Testament at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA.