What type of literature is Revelation 20:1-6? The decision about the literary genre of this chapter is one of the most crucial factors in its exegesis and interpretation. Is this chapter a simple report concerning the future, apocalyptic vision, prophetic prediction, or something totally different?

Why does God communicate through symbolism in the book of Revelation? Is Revelation to be understood primarily as literal or symbolic? Beale argues that the popular approach to Revelation—interpret literally unless you are forced to interpret symbolically—should be overturned.