Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 9/1-2 (1998): 260Ð277. Article copyright © 2000 by Ekkehardt Mueller.
Recapitulation in Revelation 4Ð11 Ekkehardt Mueller Biblical Research Institute
In approaching the Book of Revelation, or at least certain sections of the book, one has basically two options. One can chose recapitulation or progression. Opinions on the structure of Revelation and on the delimitation of certain passages determine, to a large degree, whether one opts for one or the other of these two possibilities. I will briefly define the terms and state the importance of the issue, then move on to modern representatives of recapitulation. Next, I will address the delimitation of crucial passages, and finally list the arguments in favor of recapitulation in Rev 4–11. I. Definition of Terms Recapitulationists perceive several parts of the Apocalypse as somewhat repetitious, and each of these parts seems to lead to the final consummation. In other words, the author repeatedly leads his hearers and readers over the same ground, adding a new perspective each time. Progression, as opposed to recapitulation, discerns only one final climax in the Book of Revelation. Everything leads up to this culmination. For example, the seven trumpets do not, to a certain extent, cover the same ground which the seven seals have already encircled, but grow out of the seals and are their extension.1 II. Importance of the Issue Although the issue of recapitulation may seem somewhat academic and complicated, its implications and its practical effects can be tremendous and farreaching. The question of progression or recapitulation may not matter too much to a preterist, even though preterists often defend recapitulation. However, it is a 1 See Ekkehardt Müller, Microstructural Analysis of Revelation 4–11, Andrews University Seminary Doctoral Dissertation Series, Volume 21 (Berrien Springs: Andrews UP, 1996), 12.
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