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

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.>

About the author

Dr. Paul Middleton is Senior Lecturer in New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of Chester, UK.

Product details

• Authors: Dr Paul (Studio Engineer and Record Producer Who Has Also Composed Music for TV) Middleton, Paul Middleton, Middleton Paul
• Assisted by: Chris Keith (Editor), Chris (Arizona Christian University USA) Keith (Editor), Chris (St Mary's University UK) Keith (Editor), Chris (University of British Columbia Canada) Keith (Editor), Chris (University of Chester UK) Keith (Editor)
• Publisher: T. & T. Clark Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 03.05.2018
• EAN: 9780567257123
• ISBN: 978-0-567-25712-3
• No. of pages: 304
• Series: The Library of New Testament Studies; Library of New Testament Studi; Library of New Testament Studi; The Library of New Testament Studies
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Christianity; Bibles, Christianity, Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts, New Testaments, Biblical Studies & Exegesis