The Seven Cities Of The Apocalypse And Roman Culture

“To understand the immediate cultural and societal background of the cities to which John wrote in Revelation 1 and 2, we must first understand the broader background of Roman civilization and its impact upon Asian province,” writes Roland H. Worth in the introduction to this fascinating, information-packed work. It is an in-depth study of the history, culture, society, economics, and environment of early Christians living in Roman Asia. Drawing on a multitude of resources from diverse disciplines, Worth surveys Roman life and attitudes in general, and demonstrates how Roman power developed and was exercised in Asia. He describes life in Roman Asia: what it was like to live in that province, how the imperial cult grew and prospered there, as well as the nature of official governmental persecution in the first century. A second book, The Seven Cities of the Apocalypse and Greco-Asian Culture, will fill in the details of the local background of the Christians for whom the “mini-epistles” in the book of Revelation were written.

“To understand the immediate cultural and societal background of the cities to which John wrote in Revelation 1 and 2, we must first understand the broader background of Roman civilization and its impact upon Asian province,” writes Roland H. Worth in the introduction to this fascinating, information-packed work. It is an in-depth study of the history, culture, society, economics, and environment of early Christians living in Roman Asia. Drawing on a multitude of resources from diverse disciplines, Worth surveys Roman life and attitudes in general, and demonstrates how Roman power developed and was exercised in Asia. He describes life in Roman Asia: what it was like to live in that province, how the imperial cult grew and prospered there, as well as the nature of official governmental persecution in the first century. A second book, The Seven Cities of the Apocalypse and Greco-Asian Culture, will fill in the details of the local background of the Christians for whom the “mini-epistles” in the book of Revelation were written.

The companion to The Seven Cities of the Apocalypse and Roman Culture, this study explores the social world in which early Christians functioned in Asia, providing a comprehensive picture of life in this eastern province of the Roman Empire and focusing on how the local environment affects the interpretation of the book of Revelation. The history, population, local culture, economies, and cults of each city are examined in detail. Including data from hundreds of sources, this volume should prove useful to students of both the Bible and Roman history, as it bridges the gap between the two specialties and provides many details that enable the reader to imagine what life would really have been like in those ancient cities. As such, this study provides a valuable supplement to the broader question of Rome’s general impact upon the region traced in the Roman Culture volume. Although there are many works on the subject, this is the only place where all the information is pulled together. It is a useful resource for Scripture scholars, nonprofessionals with an interest in Bible study, professors and students of Scripture, and historians specializing in the first century CE.

The companion to The Seven Cities of the Apocalypse and Roman Culture, this study explores the social world in which early Christians functioned in Asia, providing a comprehensive picture of life in this eastern province of the Roman Empire and focusing on how the local environment affects the interpretation of the book of Revelation. The history, population, local culture, economies, and cults of each city are examined in detail. Including data from hundreds of sources, this volume should prove useful to students of both the Bible and Roman history, as it bridges the gap between the two specialties and provides many details that enable the reader to imagine what life would really have been like in those ancient cities. As such, this study provides a valuable supplement to the broader question of Rome’s general impact upon the region traced in the Roman Culture volume. Although there are many works on the subject, this is the only place where all the information is pulled together. It is a useful resource for Scripture scholars, nonprofessionals with an interest in Bible study, professors and students of Scripture, and historians specializing in the first century CE.

Table of contents

"Trafton has produced a clear, understandable, insightful reading of the book of Revelation - not an easy task for a book that has left many readers puzzled and confused. One of the particular strengths of Trafton's commentary is his close attention to the structure of John's work and the internal connections between various passages of the book. Readers will also benefit from Trafton's identification of John's extensive indebtedness to the Hebrew Bible for much of his imagery and ideas." - Mitchell G. Reddish O.L. Walker Professor of Christian Studies and Chair, Department of Religious Studies Stetson University

Social injustice, social distancing and masks, the coronavirus pandemic, earthquakes, wars, and rumors of wars--is this really the end-times? When thinking about the book of Revelation, death and destruction, lawlessness and chaos seem to be the focus of most people. Humanity, especially Hollywood, seems to have an insatiable appetite for the sensational devastation and death that is predicted in this biblical prophecy. The problem with this is most media sources miss the main point for which these catastrophes occur; the call of God for His creation to reunite with Him. The book of Revelation is probably the most controversial book of the Bible! Which piece of literature throughout history has had more written about it, with such widely divided opinions and differing beliefs? Yet through all of the existing material, there is still widespread confusion and improbable comprehension regarding this prophecy. However controversial it may seem, Revelation is also one of the most important writings we have available concerning the Christian life today. It is a compulsory read for anyone serious about living their life for Jesus Christ. Revelation: The Full Disclosure of Jesus Christ takes the reader verse by verse through the entire twenty-two chapters of Revelation, giving accurate but easy-to-understand explanations. It is designed as a study guide for the children of God, at every level of understanding! The book of Revelation is both a continuation and ending of the story that began in the book of Genesis. So come, let us explore together the final chapter of the greatest story ever told!