How do the images of the Dragon and the Beasts relate to the images of Daniel 7? Why might the author want to connect back to this Hebrew story?
It can be said that many of the creatures or monsters described in these chapters map to political and economic powers of the letter’s time and place. Why do you think the author used these metaphors rather than taking a more direct approach? Besides being cryptic, what effect do these images have on the perception of the referenced individuals or groups?
Chapter 12 presents the first major feminine image in Revelation. How do you understand the way in which that image works? How might the use of a feminine image differ between the 1st century world and today?
Applying the Text:
The “number of the beast” is often looked for and referenced in contemporary contexts. How do you interpret this idea having studied the text with Professors Attridge and Bartlett’s teaching? Would you advise to someone that this is still something we need to watch for or locked to a particular historical moment?
The image of the dragon has been used in other parts of Christian history (think St. George) but its negative connotation here is a mostly Western idea. How does the dragon’s representation of evil be received differently by Christian’s in other parts of the world where the dragon symbolizes positive forces?