The use made of Old Testament imagery in the Book of Revelation has received much attention, but little study has been devoted to the direct reference to Jews in 2.9 and 3.9. This article finds clues to John's invective in literary sources and archaeological inscriptions. We see Judaism not as monolithic but as heterogeneous and influenced by extraneous cultural influences. John believed the Jews with whom he had contact to be in danger of loosing their distinctive character. This accords with the widely-held view that John's message to the churches arises from his fear of their accommodation to the prevailing culture.
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