The Book of Revelation - Part 2
One of the most difficult parts of the Bible to comprehend is the Book of Revelation. It is filled with a plethora of metaphors and symbolism. A short while ago, our own Sr. Helene wrote a series of essays that help to sort out much of this sacred text. Over the next weeks, we will present her concise, entertaining and easy to understand explanations.
Revelation as Biblical Literature
There is a very good reason why Revelation is the final book in the New Testament, and was “squeezed” into the canon in the 4th century. The Muratorian Canon, which is believed to date to 200 A.D., is the earliest compilation of canonical texts resembling the New Testament did not contain it. Revelation was almost not included in the canon at all. Many of the presbyters in attendance at the Council of Nicaea didn’t want it in the Bible. For reasons we can only speculate about, the decision to include it was made at the last minute -- truly a cliffhanger.