33 THE INTRODUCTORY FORMULA OF REV 4:1-2a IN THE CONTEXT OF TRADITIONS* FR. SIEG The formula of Rev 4:1-2a is composed of three phrases: 1. “Then, in my vision, I saw”; 2. “a door open in heaven”; 3. “the same voice... With that, the Spirit possessed me”. The first and the second phrase, which serve to introduce a new vision, were most likely taken from the Pseudoepigrapha of the Old Testament, where they find plentiful analogies, as features of literary style. For the third phrase we cannot find precise parallels in other sources. The author of the article arrives at the conclusion that the subject of the voice (4:1c) was the “One who was sitting on the throne” himself, who, by means of his voice, introduces the visionary into a state of ecstasy. 1. An Introductory Phrase in Rev 4:1a. The text of Rev 4:1-2a, as an introductory formula to a larger literary unit, provides significant information for understanding the described vi- sions. With regard to the preceding context, of a different literary genre, it opens up new perspectives. The motives, which appear in the formula, find their analogies in other sources. The fundamental question to ask is if Rev 4:1-2a constitutes only a stylistic formula - based on various sources -introducing the described visions or if the motives it contains have their basis in genuine experiences of the author/visionary. In an at- tempt to solve this problem one needs to analyze the individual motives, which occur in the discussed formula. a. Analogous formulas in Rev. The expression “then I saw” - Μετ τα τα ε δον (4:1a) occurs, in an identical form, also in Rev 7:9a; 15:5a; 18:1a. In the above places, as observed by E. Lohmeyer1, it serves as an introduction to some outstanding events. In 15:5a it is proceeded with the conjunction - Κα μετ τα τα ε δον. In the mentioned parallel places, the introductory formulas to following descriptions also show more or less clear connections with the preceding texts or at least classify the following descriptions to the same literary genre. * First published polish in: Zeszyty Naukowe KUL 40 (1997, nr 1-2 [157-158]) 107-17. Abbreviations according to ABD. 1 E. Lohmeyer, Die Offenbarung des Johannes (Tübingen 1926) 42. Filología Neotestamentaria - Vol. XVIII - 2005, pp. 33-43 Facultad de Filosofía y Letras - Universidad de Córdoba (España)