Source: Margaret Barker, The Hidden Tradition of the Kingdom of God (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2007), 77–103.
The Book of Revelation and More.wav
This podcast explores the idea that the Book of Revelation is deeply rooted in ancient Jewish temple traditions and prophecies, rather than solely in Roman imperial context or persecution. Barker argues that the "gospel of the Kingdom" preached by Jesus and reflected in Revelation was understood as a revelation of God's presence and glory, often linked to the imagery and practices of the Jerusalem Temple, particularly the Holy of Holies. She traces how concepts like the coming Kingdom, judgment, and the heavenly city draw heavily from Old Testament prophecies, the Dead Sea Scrolls (especially the Qumran texts), and intertestamental literature, suggesting a continuity of these ideas within early Christianity. Ultimately, the chapter posits that Revelation unveils Jesus as the ultimate high priest and the establishment of God's Kingdom as a restored, heavenly temple, with profound implications for understanding early Christian theology and the significance of Jesus' ministry.
The concept of the Kingdom of God, as presented by Jesus and understood by early Christians, was deeply intertwined with the idea of God's present presence and glory, particularly as represented by the heavenly temple. This perspective suggests the Kingdom was not solely a future event but a present reality connected to the divine realm.
The Book of Revelation is most accurately interpreted by understanding its roots in ancient Jewish temple traditions, the roles of priests, and prophetic visions, rather than primarily as a response to Roman persecution. The imagery and themes within Revelation draw heavily from this religious and cultural context.
Jesus' identity and ministry are closely linked to the figure of the high priest, especially in the tradition of Melchizedek, with his death and ascension viewed as his entry into the heavenly holy of holies to perform the final atonement and ultimately be enthroned as the LORD. This priestly role is central to understanding his work and the establishment of the Kingdom.
The original meaning of 'evangelion' or gospel was a revelation or unveiling of the mysteries of the Kingdom, which were often communicated through prophetic visions experienced by Jesus and his followers. This initial understanding emphasized the disclosure of divine truths.
The vision of the heavenly Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation symbolizes the restoration of Eden and the eternal Kingdom, characterized by the immediate presence of God, absolute purity, and access to the life-giving water and tree. This city represents the ultimate state of God's reign and the dwelling place of the redeemed.
1. What was the original "evangelion" or "good news" proclaimed by Jesus at the beginning of his ministry?
The original evangelion of the Kingdom was not simply a message of salvation, but a revelation of divine mysteries, akin to those found in the holy of holies of the temple, "things into which angels long to look." It was linked to healing and signified the presence of the Kingdom of God, often understood as the presence of the LORD himself. Jesus' allusions to Jacob's dream at Bethel, where Wisdom showed him the kingdom of God and knowledge of angels, further illustrate this connection between the Kingdom and divine revelation.
2. How did the concept of the "Kingdom of God" relate to the ancient Jewish Temple and its traditions?