Question

What is the meaning of ‘apocalypse’ and ‘eschaton’? Why were such writing popular in the time before, during and after Jesus? Why would Jesus be considered a first century apocalyptic prophet?

Answer 1

The meaning of 'apocalypse' is disclosure or revealing of a hidden knowledge. The meaning of 'eschaton' is last. Thus, "apocalypse eschatology" means revealation of hidden knowledge of the last days of human history in the world and its transformation there after.

Jews followed a monotheistic religion, they followed their God Yahweh, they belived that their God has made a covenant with them to protect them and care for them in return of their devotion towards him. Jews were from time to time oppressed by many rulers and kingdoms around them. They strongly believed in the covenant and had firm belief that they would be finally delivered from the hands of their oppressors, and that an eternal Kingdom of their God would be established with them as His children and would live in peace under the care and protection of their God. Before Jesus and after Jesus they were under the rule of oppression, hence, the apocalypse eschatology were popular during those times.

Jesus was a Jew, and he spoke of end times during the period of his three years ministry. He is considered as a first century apocalyptic prophet because his birth is used as the mark for the beginning of the first century.