The Origins and Force of an Image or Symbol: A Suggested Outline

I. Introduction:

A. Statement of topic or problem and its possible significance as an issue

B. Thesis

C. Procedure

II. Appearances in Revelation:

A. Quoted (one entire verse) seriatum (including reference) without comment.

B. Two paragraph tentative statement, based solely on evidence from the text itself. Are there categories of meaning that emerge from the use of this image? Does it mean (or potentially mean) more than one thing? Make some tentative observations without “over-interpreting” at this stage. Pay close attention to context, what is and is not being said.

III. New Testament passages

A. List references only*

B. Two paragraph statement, categorizing how it is used, same category(ies)?

IV. Old Testament passages

A. List references only*

B. Two paragraph statement, same categories?

V. Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha

A. List references only*

B. Discussion of categories: same, different, what?

VI. Return to Revelation and do a rereading.

VII. Draw conclusions about the origin and function of this symbol here; what allusions may be shown to be false allusions?

*If and when necessary, quote entire verses in the subsequent discussion if a given verse or reference is of crucial importance in making your point.