ABSTRACT
While some interpreters of the Apocalypse explain the place and function of doxologies in the book on the analogy of the choruses of Greek tragedy, 1 others suggest that the acclamations of Revelation 4 and 5 are patterned after elements of Second Temple Jewish or early Christian liturgy. 2 It is more likely that they are ad hoc compositions of the author, 3 who drew upon biblical images in shaping visionary narratives that were intended to be read aloud, perhaps during worship (1:3,9–10), in the churches of the seven cities (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea) of the Roman province of Asia towards the end of the reign of Domitian (81–96 ce). Evidence of the powerful influence of the imperial Roman court and cult on Asian Christians led David E. Aune to reject the view that Revelation 4–5 mirrors early Christian liturgy and to propose instead the convincing suggestion that the depiction of ceremonial words and deeds in Revelation 4–5 draws on rituals connected with the Roman court. 4
