The Revelation and Apocalyptic Literature Research Group invites proposals for papers that foreground material culture in the interpretation of the Book of Revelation or other relevant apocalyptic literature. We welcome submissions that offer new historical, exegetical, or hermeneutical insights into Revelation by engaging archaeological data, inscriptions, numismatic evidence, iconography, papyri, or other forms of material culture from the ancient world. Papers may focus on specific passages, motifs, or images within Revelation, but should demonstrate clearly how material-cultural evidence advances, nuances, or challenges traditional interpretations of the text. Please submit paper proposals to Garrett Best ([email protected]) and Ian Paul ([email protected]) by March 4, 2026.
Revelation and Apocalyptic Literature
Friday, November 20
1:00–3:00 PM
Presiding: Laurentiu Mot, Professor habil., Rector of Adventus University in Cernica, Romania
Mark Wilson (Asia Minor Research Center, Antalya, Turkey): “Roman Tabellarii in the Province of Asia and the Angeloi to the Seven Churches” (20 minutes)
Discussion (10 minutes)
Gregory Stevenson (York University, York, NE): “‘The One who Is, Was, and Is to Come’: The Tripartite Temporal Formula in Revelation and in the Greco-Roman World” (20 minutes)
Discussion (10 minutes)
Murray Smith (Christ College, Sydney, Australia ): “Slaying Emperor and Slain Lamb: Victory and Violence in the Sebasteion of Aphrodisias and the Book of Revelation” (20 minutes)
Discussion (10 minutes)
Jeremiah Coogan (Santa Clara University, Berkeley, CA): “Roman Provincial Bureaucracy and John’s Apocalypse” (20 minutes)
Discussion (10 minutes)
Friday, November 21
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: Westin Copley Place, Empire (Seventh Floor)
Presentations
Garrett Best, York University, Moderator
Revelation: A Love Story? What about God’s Wrath?
Rob Dalrymple, Determinetruth Ministries
Discussion
Life in the Spirit according to John’s Apocalypse
Justus Freeman, Bridges Christian College & Seminary
Discussion
Ὁ Ἐρχόμενος: A Trinitarian Approach to “the One Coming”
Laurențiu Florentin Moț, Adventus University in Cernica
Discussion
Justice, Judgment, and the Wrath of God in John’s Apocalypse: Reassessing the Language and Imagery of Vengeance, Violence, and Vindication in the Theology of Revelation
Alan Bandy, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Discussion
Fri Nov 22
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Indigo 204B (Second Level) – Hilton Bayfront
Theme: New Insights in the Interpretation of Revelation. This session features papers that analyze various aspects of interpretation of Revelation. The papers explore innovative and traditional methods of interpreting the book of Revelation as well as explore the historical and cultural context in which various literatures were produced.
Ian Paul, Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge, Presiding
David A. deSilva, Ashland Theological Seminary
The Seven Spirits of God: The Holy Spirit or the Angels of the Presence (20 min)
Discussion (10 min)
Matthew Halsted, Eternity Bible College
The Concept of Wrath in Revelation: A Language-Game Approach (20 min)
Discussion (10 min)
Christopher Seglenieks, Bible College of South Australia
Apocalyptic Letters: The Function of Embedded Letters within Apocalyptic Texts (20 min)
Discussion (10 min)
Clifford T. Winters, Barclay College
A Grand Conceit: Evidence for the Extended Metaphor of War in John’s Apocalypse (20 min)
Discussion (10 min)
