Pantokratōr in the Book of Revelation

Abstract

With ten occurrences of Pantokratōr in the New Testament (NT), Revelation has the highest with nine appearances. A study of the reason for John’s frequent usage of the term explores Pantokratōr in the Septuagint (LXX), Intertestamental literature, Greco-Roman world and the NT. The findings reveal that John seems to follow the LXX where, in the context of threat to God’s people, Pantokratōr revealed Himself as sovereign ruler and judge over His people and all nations. The persecuted Christians of Asia minor as well as all Christians in similar situations are consoled that Pantokratōr rules sovereignly over all the kingdoms of the world. Although Satan, through his agents, is trying to destroy the church of God, yet in the end Christ comes in the power of Pantokratōr with vengeance against all who oppose His rule but brings vindication to all who, through suffering, await His appearing.