Apocalyptic

by Leon L. Morris

The study of apocalyptic — the body of ancient literature dealing with the end of the world — is vital to an understanding of the New Testament. Most of us, however, know very little about the subject — and if Leon Morris is correct, much of what we think we know is wrong.

In this brief introduction to apocalyptic, Morris brings together the results of a great deal of work that has been done on the subject by himself and others. In a clear and lucid style, he addresses himself to the characteristics of apocalyptic writings, the world from which they arose, and their relation to the gospel. "Apocalyptic is not a good medium for expressing the cruciality of the cross," Morris concludes, "and in fact it does not express it . . . We cannot understand important sections of the New Testament without some knowledge of apocalyptic. But we cannot hold that apocalyptic contains the key to the whole. . . ."

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction

88 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been about 40 years since I last read this excellent little book from one of my favourite authors. This both created my life-long interest in apocalyptic (and apocryphal / pseudepigraphic) writings, as well as gave a good basis for an understanding of the apocalyptic-adjacent material in Scripture.

Having examine what the genre is, Morris then applies it to Mark 13 and the Book of Revelation with great value - though briefly. The concluding chapter is very useful, as it brings out the “conflict” between Gospel and Apocalyptic with the former focused on the Cross, and the latter focused on “the End” - and that when the most significant thing in history has already happened (Incarnation / Cross + Resurrection) than Apocalyptic seems to loss its impact.

[Amy Kannel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This got off to a strange/confusing start (wouldn't it be better to clearly define your terms at the outset, rather than three chapters in?!) but on the whole was helpful. I was surprised (and slightly perplexed), though, to realize at the end that "apocalyptic" is defined extremely narrowly--applied essentially only to apocryphal/extrabiblical literature, with Revelation only sort of in the category.

[David Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very brief look at the nature of apocalyptic literature in Scripture and apocryphal literature. In the end Morris finds that while apocalyptic literature is a part of Scripture and must be understood on its own terms, it's not central to the Christian message.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morris discusses the characteristics of apocalyptic literature in this brief book to weigh in on its presence in and influence on the New Testament. He contrasts apocalyptic literature with prophetic literature to argue that Mark 13 and the book of Revelation are not pure examples of apocalyptic. Considering the book of Revelation, he highlights the central point that looms over the rest of the book, namely, that Christ, the Lamb who was slain, is alive again and victorious; and this gives a certain optimism that does not fit with apocalyptic. Apocalyptic, he notes, presents a pessimistic view of the world and looks for God to intervene severely to bring it to an end in judgment. The book of Revelation does include the Last Judgment; but God's people are not so helpless or hopeless as they are in typical apocalyptic literature. Further, Morris identifies the use of pseudonyms, usually names of well-respected figures of old, as a characteristic of apocalyptic; but the writer of Revelation uses his own name. So while echoes of apocalyptic do appear in Revelation, the book is not a prime example of the genre. Morris thus writes a readable primer on apocalyptic literature.

[Laura Liana · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the ancient apocalyptic genre and its' use in the Bible. The book is short and concise, but it employs solid scholarship and always provides a balanced view. For every perspective presented, a counter perspective is presented in order to give the reader an idea of the spectrum of scholarship done in the field of ancient apocalyptic.

[Dmcconkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another classic from mature NT scholar. Morris in less that 100 pages packs more into this book than others do in 300 pages. Balanced and thought provoking insights into the apocalyptic literature.

[Trevor Binkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little introduction and overview of the Apocalyptic genre.