A re-examination of the millennium in Rev 20:1-6

Abstract

"The question of the so-called millennial kingdom in Rev 20:1–6 continues to be a source of fascination in evangelical discussion and dialogue. 1 The purpose of this article is to re-examine the question of the millennial kingdom as articulated in Rev 20:1–6. More specifically, this article will consider the meaning and function of 20:1–6 within Revelation as it relates to the contemporary debate about whether this section is best understood within a premillennial or amillennial framework. Hermeneutically, most of the debate has centered around how literally the reference to the one thousand years in 20:1–6 should be taken and, more importantly, the relationship between 20:1–6 and 19:11–21. Does the thousand year period in 20:1–6 refer to a more or less literal period of time? 2 Or should it be understood more symbolically? Does 20:1–6 follow 19:11–21 chronologically, with the one thousand years featuring a Zwischenreich (premillennialism), or does the final battle in 20:7–10 recapitulate the battle in 19:11–21, with the reference to the one thousand years in 20:1–6 extending all the way back to the first coming of Christ (amillennialism)? 3"