Choices – The Use of Textual Authorities in the Revelation of John

Abstract

This article addresses one of the most vibrant areas of current research on the Book of Revelation, the question of the biblical book ’ s intended meaning and audience, by ex-ploring the text ’ s intertextuality. I shall particularly focus on the issue of John ’ s audience and examine if his choice of textual authorities tells us something about his addressees and his enemies. I also challenge the frequently voiced assumption that the Book of Revelation is an anti-Roman writing. A look at John ’ s intertexts supports the scholarly opinion of Tobias Nicklas and Stefan Alkier, who both believe that John ’ s main enemy is not the Roman Empire, but Christians that neglect his claim of authority. 1 Nevertheless, it is also my purpose to introduce to the literary characteristics of Revelation.