The article is titled “The symbol of the serpent in the Apocalypse of St. John”. Its aim is an exegetical analysis of the term “serpent” (ὄφις). The expression appears in Rev 9:19; 12:9; 20:2 and 12:14-16. In Rev 9:19 snakes are a symbolic element of a cavalry that realizes God’s plan. In other texts the serpent is a symbol of Satan. In Rev 12:9; 20,2 appears the title “the ancient serpent” referring to the biblical story of Gen 3:1-24. It is emphasized that Satan is the tempter. In Rev 12:14-16 the term “serpent” is used as a synonym for the dragon. It is possible that the symbolic scene of aggression towards woman expresses a destructive satanic action against the Church. We also ask a question how much the apocalyptic dragon (δράκων) is a serpent. In the course of exegetical analysis we have paid attention to two perspectives. The first is a historical and religious background of the serpent symbol in Rev. The second is original theology of Rev. One of her basic features is very rich symbolism. The author of Rev. refers to the past, but introduces a new, original content.
The main objective of the paper is to show original theological emphasis on Peter the Apostle. Chapter 21 is considered to be a later addition to the Gospel of John. It is necessary to pay a special attention to related issues of editorial text. Despite its seemingly simple structure John 21: 15-19 poses other challenges. One of them is a puzzling variation of terminology. It is therefore necessary to draw attention to possible variants of critical-literary assessment of the biblical text. In John 21: 15-19 Peter is presented as a shepherd. This par-ticular mission is given to him by the Risen Jesus. The flock, which he has to feed, remains Jesus’ property. John 21:18-19 associated the ministry of Peter with his martyrdom. The entire passage has an ecumenical significance. The delegation of pastoral authority can be treated as a one-off event. The historical context of John 21 indicates the unifying character of the ministry of Peter the Apostle. Proper reading of the text can facilitate dialogue on the nature of the primacy of the Bishop of Rome.
The main topic of this article is apes’ intentional behaviour. I consider the Michael Tomasello’s concept of intentionality. I outline how different levels of intentionality presented by Tomasello could be applied to apes’ behaviour. To do so I examine few experiments and observations (in natural conditions) of apes’ behaviour and try to apply Tomasello’s intentionality concepts. My main concern is the possibility of group and shared intentionality in ape communities, which could suggest that there is some kind of culture oriented behaviour in non-human animals.
The article regards aspects of PV modules tested with the use of natural sunlight. The analysis of spectral structure of solar energy resources in southern Poland, carried out on the basis of meteorological data originating from SolarLab PW Wrocław and AGH Kraków, Poland [1] was used in the article. It is a continuation of the article: Analysis of solar energy resources in southern Poland for photovoltaic applications [1], describing the method to determine spectral parameters of average photon energy (APE) and useful fraction (UF) with the use of a solar radiation spectrum simulator. This article, however, includes an experimental presentation of their impact on PV conversion of modules with different absorbers. Theory and practice of the measurements were described with the use of spectral parameters such as: UF, APE. Their influence on the efficiency of modules’ photovoltaic conversion with various spectral characteristics of absorbers was presented. The most recent methods described, which characterise the structure of solar energy resources such as annual distributions of APE and UF, have not been commonly used yet in Poland and other countries, even though they most precisely define adjustment of the spectral factor to the selected PV module.
Practical application of UF, in detection of absorber type used in the tested PV module/cell is demonstrated in the final part of the article.