Rodney Thomas addresses the question of whether the book of Revelation was written as an 'anti-magical' polemic and explores the concept and definition of 'magic' from both modern and first-century standpoints. Thomas presents the first century as a time dominated by belief in spiritual forces and magical activity which the author of Revelation sought to put into proper perspective.

This aim was achieved through a variety of highly creative literary techniques which Thomas examines in this book. At times it is possible to argue that unacceptable magical practices are condemned by...