This study focuses on the phenomenon of lying and deceit in the seven church letters of the Book of Revelation. Diverse, intense concentrations of vocabulary involving deception and lies suggest that the social situation involved a strikingly high degree of misrepresentation and defamation in these churches. Anthropological literature identifies at least seven kinds of deceptions typical of Mediterranean persons in the service of honor-status. Indications in these letters reinforce the likelihood that in this world of honor-status, lying and deception may be socially acceptable strategies in the service of honor.
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