The dissertation focused on the use of the terms βασιλεία and βασιλεύω in Rev 1:6; 5:10; 20:4,6; 22:5, and offered various possibilities of interpretation dependent on text-critical as well as semantic decisions.

Research

The research of Stephanie Schabow examined how the author of the Apocalypse employs βασιλεία as a term with spatial (“kingdom”) and non-spatial (“reign”) aspects to describe the soteriological status of the believers (Rev 1:6; 5:10). Further, it asked how the statements that the believers “are kings” or will “reign” (βασιλεύω in Rev 5:10; 20:4,6 and 22:5) should be understood within the narrow and overall context of the Apocalypse. It became apparent that the interpretation is different when reading with Codex Alexandrinus (focus on the present reign of the believers) or Codex Sinaiticus (focus on the future reign of the believers). Each codex represents a different understanding of the idea of “reign”, which were both present among the believers of Early Christianity.

The dissertation was successfully defended in 2015 and has been published with the title Gemacht zu einem Königreich und Priestern für Gott. Eine Auslegung der basileia-/basileuw-Aussagen in Offb 1,6; 5,10; 20,4.6 und 22,5 within the series Wissenschaftliche Monographien zum Alten und Neuen Testament (Vol. 147).