'Explanation of the Apocalypse' Summary

The Explanation of the Apocalypse by the Venerable Bede is an early Christian exegetical work that offers a detailed interpretation of the Book of Revelation. Bede, a Benedictine monk and historian, wrote the commentary around 710-716 AD. His work is notable for its careful attention to the text and its use of corresponding passages from Scripture to elucidate the meaning of the symbolic language. Bede interprets the visions in Revelation as symbolic representations of the Church's history and the end times. He follows the allegorical and typological methods of interpretation prevalent in his time, seeing the events and figures in Revelation as prefiguring or foreshadowing events and figures in the life of the Church. Bede's commentary provides valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of the early Christian Church and is considered an important contribution to the study of biblical apocalypticism.