The Genres of the Bible

This discussion will focus on the genres of letter/epistle and apocalyptic. The genres are covered in various books in the New Testament. Generally, most of the books in the New Testament are epistles/letters written to individuals, churches, and/or groups of believers. The book of Revelation is apocalyptic in nature. The genres of letter and apocalyptic are easily translated and interpreted into present day reality as they address some of the common experiences of Christians. The discussion is primarily a response to the seven prompts that focus on different features of the biblical genre.

Genre and Hermeneutics

The book of Revelation has provoked many debates and arguments with regard to understanding and interpretation. One of the sections of this book that has been subject to controversies in interpretation is Revelation 20:1-6, which focuses on Gods rule for 1000 years. The controversy surrounding this section is linked to questions on whether it provides a straightforward report regarding the future.[footnoteRef:1] Poythress attempts to address this issue on the premise that the issue of genre is closely linked to how we differentiate between literal and symbolic descriptions. A proper understanding and interpretation of this section requires determining the extent to which it is a symbolic description vis--vis a literal description. [1: Vern Sheridan Poythress, Genre and Hermeneutics in Revelation 20:1-6, The Journal of Evangelical Theological Society, 36, no. 1 (1993): 41 ]

As evident in this text, Revelation 20:1-6 is not a straightforward or literal description of a historical event. It is an apocalyptic genre consisting of a visionary level of symbolism or communication as John begins by stating Then I saw the angel coming down from heaven, (Revelation 20:1). The use of this phrase implies that this section is symbolic communication of Johns visionary experience. Symbolic communication is one of the features of the apocalyptic genre that is based on prophetic literature. While this text is not a literal description of a historical event, it reflects a direct description of future history as witnessed by John. Therefore, Revelation 20:1-6 exemplifies an apocalyptic genre using symbolic language.

Lukes Presentation of the Spirit in Acts

Luke, the writer of the Acts of the Apostles, discusses the Holy Spirit in his book more than any other biblical writer. According to Bruce, the book of Acts presents the Holy Spirit as the divine agent and witness of the new age.[footnoteRef:2] By portraying the Spirit as a divine agent and witness, Luke promotes a literal interpretation of the activity of the Holy Spirit. The genre of the Gospels is shown in Lukes presentation of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts. One of the features of the genre of the Gospels evident in Lukes presentation of the Spirit in Acts of the Apostles is proclamation. The Gospels centered on proclaiming the world-changing event centered in the life and times of Jesus Christ. Luke proceeds with the proclamation in the book of Acts by depicting the coming and work of the Spirit as a life-changing event and experience in the lives of believers. In Acts 1:6-8, he proclaims how the coming and work of the Spirit would transform the life of the believer into a witness. The genre of narrative is also evident in Lukes presentation of the Spirit as the book tells the spectacular events of the early Church as the Holy Spirit worked through them. [2: F.F. Bruce, Lukes Presentation of the Spirit in Acts, Criswell Theological Review, 5, no. 1 (1990): 28]

The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible

Gods plan of salvation involves restoring things to their proper relationships by using Jesus Christ and his saving...

…symbolic language to proclaim urgent messages to the audience. Visionary or symbolic language is employed in the apocalyptic genre to provide a view or perspective regarding Gods future purposes or plans. Christianity is not only about Gods past and present work in the life of believers, but also about what will happen in the future. While narrative and historical genres are employed to communicate about Gods past work in the lives of people, the apocalyptic genre employs visionary and symbolic language to communicate the immediate or long-term future. The apocalyptic genre is based on prophetic literature as God uses prophets to proclaim urgent messages to believers about the immediate or long-term future. In addition, the apocalyptic genre incorporates revelatory literature with a narrative framework. The use of this literature and framework provides a suitable foundation for disclosing a transcendent reality that is temporal and spatial. Some of the key features of the apocalyptic genre include angelic messengers, heavenly ascents, the revelation of the hidden, the present versus the future, the earthly versus the heavenly, and the wicked versus the righteous.[footnoteRef:7] [7: Ralph P. Martin & Peter H. Davids, Dictionary of the Later New Testament & Its Development (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press).]

In conclusion, the seven prompts in this discussion focus on the genres of epistle/letter and apocalyptic. As evident in this discussion, these genres focused on varied aspects of the life of believers as they employ different formats. The genre of epistle/letter is founded upon narrative and prophetic literature through which its employs narrative and symbolic literary formats. Pauline epistles were primarily used to provide instructions to Christian believers by addressing the present life situations. On the contrary, apocalyptic genre are founded upon revelatory/prophetic literature with a narrative framework. Apocalyptic genre utilizes symbolic language to proclaim urgent messages to audience regarding…