0 Chapters0 Books0 People0 Places

Apocalyptic

A style of writing that uses wild imagery to reveal hidden spiritual truths

Definition

From the Greek 'apokalypsis' meaning 'unveiling' or 'revelation.' Apocalyptic literature uses dramatic symbols — beasts, angels, cosmic battles, numbers — to communicate that God is in control and will ultimately win. Revelation is the most famous example, but Daniel and parts of Ezekiel use it too. It was written to encourage persecuted people, not to scare them.

Used In11 mentions across 7 books

1 john

When the Threat Comes from Inside

1 John 2:18-23

Apocalyptic framing is deliberately set aside here — John clarifies that the antichrist he's warning about is not a future end-times figure but people already active within his readers' community.

2 thessalonians

The Letter That Ended With a Handshake

Apocalyptic is noted here in contrast — Paul deliberately steps away from the cosmic, visionary register of the previous two chapters to deliver straightforward, practical instruction instead.

daniel

How Long? ⏳

Daniel 12:5-7

Apocalyptic literature's signature time-phrase — "a time, times, and half a time" — appears here to signal a bounded period of intense suffering with a definite, God-set endpoint.