Happy will be those who persevere: the seven beatitudes of the Johannine Apocalypse

Abstract

This article provides a reflection on the Beatitudes in the book of Revelation. The justification for this research stems from the fact that, currently, many religious communities use this book to intimidate and terrify people, when, in reality, the intention of the book is different. Initially, the apocalyptic literature and its characteristics are explained. Then, a brief introduction to the Johannine apocalypse is given, describing the historical, literary, and liturgical context of the work. Next, the rhetorical analysis is presented as the exegetical method to be applied to the chosen verses. Subsequently, each verse is analyzed along with its rhetorical counterparts in the Beatitudes, as well as seeking their supposed references in the Old and New Testaments. Finally, for each verse or pairs, an updating of the happiness message proposed by the Apocalypse is sought.