Christ, Shepherd of the Nations: The Nations as Narrative Character and Audience in John's Apocalypse

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Does Johns Apocalypse envision destruction or salvation for the nations of the world Scholarly views on this issue range from extreme (total destruction) to extreme (universal salvation). Jon Morales maintains that the question must be reframed to highlight, not only the destiny of the nations, but also their dilemma within the drama of world history. Using narrative methodology, Morales asks four key questions concerning the nations: What is Johns story of the nations How does he tell this story What is Johns message to the nations And what is his message to the church concerning the nations Literary characters cannot be understood in the abstract, but must be rather discovered sequentially in the development of an entire narrative. The nations in Revelation are no exception. Understanding that previous studies have neglected to situate the nations within Revelations larger plot, or in interaction with other narrative characters, Morales concludes that Johns purpose is to show that the nations belong to God. John achieves his purpose in part by deploying a novel metaphor, virtually unexplored until now Christ, shepherd of the nations

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Through its methodological rigour in following the nations inner-textually wherever they go, and its thorough engagement with relevant scholarship en route, Moraless account of Johns story of the nations is, to my knowledge, far and away the fullest, most nuanced, and most satisfying. * Journal of Theological Studies *
Morales provides strong and cogent support for the rhetorical function of Johns paradoxical presentation of the nations. This book will prove valuable to students and researchers focused on Revelation and/or narrative criticism. * Biblical Theology Bulletin *

Author Bio

JON MORALES (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Lead Pastor at Woodside Bible Church in Royal Oak, MI, USA, and adjunct professor of New Testament at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA.