The Violence of the Lamb: Martyrs as Agents of Divine Judgement in the Book of Revelation

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The act of martyrdom in the worldview of the Apocalypse has been considered to be an exemplification of non-violent resistance. Paul Middleton argues here, however, that it is in fact a representation of direct participation by Christians, through their martyrdom, in divine violence against those the author of Revelation portrays as God's enemies. Middleton shows that acceptance of martyrdom is to grasp the invitation to participate in the Revelation's divine violence. Martyrs follow the model laid down by the Lamb, who was not only slain, but resurrected, glorified, and who executes judgement. The world created by the Apocalypse encourages readers to conquer the Beast through martyrdom, but also through the experience of resurrection and being appointed judges. In this role, martyrs participate in the judgement of the wicked by sharing the Lamb's power to judge. Different from eschewing violence, the conceptual world of the Apocalypse portrays God, the Lamb, and the martyrs as possessing more power, might, and violent potential than the Emperor and his armies. Middleton believes that martyrdom and violence are necessary components of the worldview of Revelation.

Reviews

The Violence of the Lamb is a well-argued, persuasive study, not to mention an enjoyable read. * Biblical Theology Bulletin *
Indispensable for the study of Revelation and martyrdom in early Christianity. * NTT Journal for Theology and the Study of Religion *
A carefully argued and persuasive reading of the Book of Revelation ... This book is a valuable contribution to the field of historical-critical New Testament studies as well as to the study of the Apocalypse. * Journal of Theological Studies *
This book is most appropriate for scholarly or graduate audiences, and would be helpful for courses on the book of Revelation, NT eschatology, and Christology. Highly recommended. * Reading Religion *
In The Violence of the Lamb, Paul Middleton confirms his status as a leading historian of martyrdom and Christian origins. With a startling but apt title, he convincingly shows that martyrs were believed to share the retribution of divine violence and that more liberal or pacifist readings have a tendency towards anachronism and apologetics. This is an excellent book and should be read by anyone wishing to understand ancient concepts of martyrdom and violence on their own terms. * James Crossley, St. Mary's College, Twickenham, UK *
Middleton offers a provocative reading of the role of violence and martyrdom in Revelation. His iconoclastic conclusions will cause you to re-evaluate what you think about many of the important interpretive cruces of the Apocalypse. * Garrick V. Allen, Dublin City University, Ireland *
Violence of the Lamb offers a close reading of Revelations central figure and paradigm for martyrdom and sacrifice, the Lamb. Johns Lamb, Middleton argues, is neither frolicking playmate nor passive resistor, but instead is an active agent of Divine judgment and wrathViolence of the Lamb brilliantly returns readers to the gritty reality of Revelation, a text that may not always be what modern, humane academics desire, but that has invigorated Christian imagery and thinking for millennia. * Robert Paul Seesengood, Albright College, Pennsylvania, USA *

Author Bio

Paul Middleton is Lecturer in New Testament Studies at the University of Wales, Lampeter, UK.