Revelation 19-21 in the Exegesis of Early Christian Roman Africa

Martina Vercesi explores the history of interpretation of one of the most disputed passages of the Book of Revelation, chapters 19-21, within the early Christian communities of Roman Africa from the second to the end of the fourth century. Analysing the reception and exegesis of these chapters, the author examines a variety of sources, including letters, treatises, commentaries, and martyrological texts, addressing historical, theological, and textual questions. Beginning with the analysis of the Acta Martyrum Scillitanorum , she provides a comprehensive account of the exegesis of Revelation 19-21, offering insights into how early Christians actively engaged with the Book of Revelation and how these chapters influenced the eschatological thoughts of the early Christian communities.1. Introduction
2. In the Beginning
Acta Martyrum Scillitanorum - Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus
3. Struggle and Persecutions in the Third Century
Passio Sanctarum Perpetuae et Felicitatis - Thascius Caecilius Cyprianus - Pseudo-Cyprianic Writings
4. Church and Empire
Lucius Caecilius Firmianus Lactantius - Commodianus
5.The Donatist Schism
Scholarship on the Donatist Movement - Passio SS. Dativi, Saturnini Presbyteri et Aliorum - Martyrdom and the Book of Revelation: A Reflection - Analysis of Revelation 19-21 in Sermo in Natali Sanctorum Innocentium
6.The End of Eschatology?
Tyconius - Julius Quintus Hilarianus
7.Conclusions and Further Developments