The Book of Revelation was included in the generally accepted Christian biblical canon gradually over a period of several centuries. Here's a breakdown of the process:
* Early Church Fathers (1st-3rd Centuries): Some early church fathers like Justin Martyr and Irenaeus accepted Revelation. Others, particularly in the East (such as those associated with the Alexandrian school), were more hesitant or rejected it, questioning its authorship and interpretation.
* Disputes and Doubts: There was considerable debate about Revelation's authenticity and theological compatibility with other biblical books. Its apocalyptic and symbolic language made it difficult to interpret consistently.
* Fourth Century Acceptance: The 4th century was a crucial period. Athanasius of Alexandria, in his Easter Letter of 367 AD, listed Revelation as part of the New Testament canon. The Synod of Hippo in 393 AD and the Council of Carthage in 397 AD, both under the influence of Augustine, also included Revelation in their lists of canonical books.
* Eastern Church Hesitation: While the Western Church largely accepted Revelation by the end of the 4th century, parts of the Eastern Church continued to have reservations for some time.
* Formal Recognition: Despite the lingering doubts in some quarters, by the 6th century, Revelation was largely accepted as part of the New Testament canon in both the East and West, although there were still occasional dissenters.
In Summary: While there isn't a single specific date when Revelation was universally accepted, the late 4th century (around 367-397 AD) is a key period during which influential figures and church councils officially recognized it as part of the biblical canon. It is important to note, however, that the process was gradual and uneven across different regions and traditions.