The Apocalypse of St. John is a work which we cannot neglect. It is difficult to understand, its sub-divisions are almost too intricate to follow or to harmonize, but it is certainly not a fairy-tale. It does not seem to be a succinct history of events to come, but presents a series of visions which seem partly to overlap. . . .

I am not, however, concerned with the interpretation of the Book, but, in my capacity as a textual critic and student, I wish to present to others the proper foundations upon which they can build.

Textual study must always be the forerunner of any interpretation. The solution of any textual difficulties must precede any final and authoritative explanation of the text.

From the “Prolegomena” in H. C. Hoskier’s Concerning the Text of the Apocalypse: Collation of All Existing Available Greek Documents with the Standard Text of Stephen’s Third Edition Together with the Testimony of Versions, Commentaries and Fathers.