A Book as a Mirror. Remarks on the History of the Reception of John's Apocalypse

The article focuses on the history of the interpretation and the effect of Revelation. After analyzing some representative voices in the field of biblical exegeses and describing some meaningful effects (in music, art and architecture), the question arises as to why Revelation was able to have such an extensive impact and attract such great interest. An answer is undoubtedly to be found in the open and archetypal symbolic language of Revelation, but also in its transparency and effectiveness in personal or global situations of crisis. It is precisely at such moments that Revelation develops a crucial potential for hope and resistance.