Complexity and Creativity: John`s Presentation of Jesus in the Book of Revelation

1. Introduction ........1
Previous Study of the Depiction of Jesus in Revelation .....2
The Presentation of Jesus in Revelation ...........2
Assessment of Previous Studies .......16
Orientation and Structure of Present Study ........18
2. John, Jesus, and the Roman Imperial Cult and Revelation ...........21
The Seven Cities, Temples, and Emperor Worship.......22
The Beast from the Sea and its Image.......24
Babylon/ Rome.......25
Roman Emperor Worship.......28
Introductory Matters .....29
The Nature and Impact of the Roman Imperial Cult.......34
The Roman Imperial Cult and Jesus in Revelation ........83
Polemical Parallelism .......84
Evidence from Revelation ..........86
Polemical Parallelism : An Assessment .....101
3. John, Jesus, and the Old Testament ....105
Major Images and Themes......108
Lamb.......108
Throne Imagery .....119
Angelomorphic Imagery and the Glorious One Like a Son of Man ........131
The Rider on the White horse ..........146
Minor Images and Titles .....154
Summary and Evaluation ........179
4. John, Jesus and the Context of Early Christianity ................187
John and His Churches .......190
Religious Worldview ........198
The presentation of Jesus ....203
Life and Teachings of Jesus .......203
Early Christian Titles and Images of Jesus ......212
Jesus Devotion ..................215
5. John`s Presentation of Jesus ......221
The Complexity of Imagery .....221
Types of Imagery .....222
Sources of Imagery ......225
Composite or Complex work ...........228
Prominent Depictions of Jesus in Revelation .......231
John`s Use of Titles .........232
The Significance of Ritual.....247
conclusion ........259