I have to admit I always kind of brushed off the whole idea

[shrike3]

18. Many years ago -- more years than I care to admit -- I read a theory that Revelations was actually

written in code for the Christians of Nero's time. Symbols and references meaningful only to them, a message of hope during a time of persecution. I had read Revelations at that point and would have challenged anyone to make sense of the thing, so this particular theory made sense to me.

Ehrman has a different take, of course, but it, too, appeals to me. I'll pick up a copy if I can.