Revelation studies have been typically characterised by two very different types of study emanating from academia and the church. Academia has been engaged in historical critical and source critical studies which typically dissect the text. Whilst the methods used in the church treat Revelation as scripture and keep the text intact, these approaches often lack the tools for sound interpretation. Tõniste observes the need for a more holistic and thoughtful methodology to study Revelation.
Tõniste develops an approach that respects Revelation as a part of Christian scripture composed by and for the church, whilst simultaneously making use of respected modern academic methods that support unity (literary, canonical, and narrative criticism, intertextuality, and canonical location) to arrive at theologically sensible and satisfying interpretations. The basic key to unlocking the mysteries of Revelation lies in its abundant use of intertextuality, an area that remains still under-researched. This integrated methodology is explored through a reading of Revelation 21-22.