Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 44:2 (Jun 2001)
Article: A Re-Examination Of The Millennium In Rev 20:1-6: Consummation And Recapitulation
Author: David L. Mathewson

JETS 44:2 (June 2001) p. 237

A Re-Examination Of The Millennium In Rev 20:1-6:
Consummation And Recapitulation

Dave L. Mathewson*

[* Dave Mathewson is instructor in New Testament at Oak Hills Christian College, 1600 Oak Hills Road SW, Bemidji, MN 56601.]

I. Introduction

The question of the so-called millennial kingdom in Rev 20:1–6 continues to be a source of fascination in evangelical discussion and dialogue. 1 The purpose of this article is to re-examine the question of the millennial kingdom as articulated in Rev 20:1–6. More specifically, this article will consider the meaning and function of 20:1–6 within Revelation as it relates to the contemporary debate about whether this section is best understood within a premillennial or amillennial framework. Hermeneutically, most of the debate has centered around how literally the reference to the one thousand years in 20:1–6 should be taken and, more importantly, the relationship between 20:1–6 and 19:11–21. Does the thousand year period in 20:1–6 re-fer to a more or less literal period of time? 2 Or should it be understood more symbolically? Does 20:1–6 follow 19:11–21 chronologically, with the one thousand years featuring a Zwischenreich (premillennialism), or does the final battle in 20:7–10 recapitulate the battle in 19:11–21, with the reference to the one thousand years in 20:1–6 extending all the way back to the first coming of Christ (amillennialism)? 3

JETS 44:2 (June 2001) p. 238

In re-examining Rev 20:1–6 contextually and exegetically, I want to argue that Rev 20:1–10 recapitulates 19:11–21, but that at the same time the reference to the millennium in 20:1–6 should be understood as occurring at the second coming of Christ. In other words, those who espouse an amillennialist approach to You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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