“Il tempo è vicino”: l'escatologia nell'Apocalisse

Within the book of Revelation, eschatology can be found in three narrative sequences, each having a different function. Rev 1–3 supports the exhortation for the churches to be faithful; Rev 6–16 answers the complaint about the lacking justice of God regarding those who shed their own blood for him; and Rev 20–22 sustains the prayer of the Bride who says: “Come, Lord Jesus”. The eschatological urgency and imminence which permeate the book of Revelation are rooted in Johnʼs desire to proclaim that the period of distress and suffering is about to reach an end and that the reward will not only overwhelm any waiting but is also close at hand. Thus John shows himself to be a great master of Christian life because he is a great master of eschatology.