The Anchor Yale Bible: Revelation (AYB)

by J. Massyngberde Ford

Publisher:

Yale University Press

, 2008

Overview

The book of Revelation, also called the Apocalypse of John, encourages Christians to be faithful to their Lord, Jesus Christ, through a rich mixture of symbolism and images. Perhaps the most puzzling book in all of Scripture, Revelation introduces bowls and scrolls, saints and angels, horsemen and beasts, the bride and the lamb, in a wondrous end-times drama. The scene shifts from cataclysmic battles to the climax of a new heaven and new earth. In the end, the reader is exhorted to heed the words of this stunning prophecy.

J. Ford addresses the seemingly infinite questions surrounding the book of Revelation. Issues of authorship, date, literary composition, theology, audience, purpose, and the meaning of John’s now obscure symbolism occupy Ford throughout. Traditionally, Revelation is the final New Testament book, but its theology, imagery, and historical content suggest it might be the transitional link between the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Contrary to general scholarly opinion, Ford identifies the writer as the Hebrew prophet and forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, not John the Evangelist. She conjectures that the Baptist spread his fiery apocalyptic visions decades before the first Gospels were completed.

Along with a fresh new translation of the book, the author’s insightful commentary and unique conclusions make for captivating reading. In light of both ancient writings and recent archaeological discoveries, Ford shows what this baffling work meant to first-century believers, and what it means for Christians today.

Logos Bible Software gives you the tools you need to use this volume effectively and efficiently. With your digital library, you can search for verses, find Scripture references and citations instantly, and perform word studies. Along with your English translations, all Scripture passages are linked to Greek and Hebrew texts. What’s more, hovering over a Scripture reference will instantly display your verse! The advanced tools in your digital library free you to dig deeper into one of the most important contributions to biblical scholarship in the past century!

Key Features

• Offers original translations, including alternative translations, annotations, and variants
• Provides verse-by-verse commentary on the text
• Presents the reader with historical background, including analysis of authorship and dating
• Features an extensive bibliography of primary and secondary literature

Contents

• Part One: Revelation to the Baptist
  • The Prophet’s Inaugural Vision (4:1–11)
  • A Time for Opening Seals (5:1–14)
  • The Angelic Army (6:1–17)
  • God Keeps His Promise to Secure a Remnant (7:1–17)
  • The Divine Warrior Enters the Second Phase of the War (8:1–13)
  • The Infernal Armies (9:1–21)
  • The Angel of Lights (10:1–11)
  • The Judgment Begins (11:1–19)
• Part Two: Revelation to a Baptist Disciple Concerning the Punishment of Jerusalem
  • The Faithful Flee to the Desert (12:1–5, 14–18, 6–13)
  • The Dragon’s Allies Seek to Delude the Faithful (13:1–18)
  • The Lamb and the Seven “Angels” (14:1–20)
  • The Climax of the Wrath of God (15:1–8)
  • Egyptian Plagues Visited upon the Faithless (16:1–21)
  • The Beginning of the Last Plague (17:1–18)
  • The “Death” of the “Firstborn” (18:1–24)
  • Seven, Seven, Seven (19:1–21)
  • Part Three: The “Resurrection” of the “Firstborn”
    • Satan Bound (20:1–3)
    • The Millennial Jerusalem (21:9–27, 8; 22:1–2)
    • The Final Blessing (22:14–15)
    • The Millennial Kingdom (20:4–6)
    • Satan Unchained (20:7–10)
    • The Last Judgment (20:11–15)
    • The Eternal Jerusalem (21:1–4c 22:3–5 21:5a, 4d, 5b, 6, 7 22:6–7a, 8–13, 7b, 17b, 18–19)
    • Part Four: The Prophecies to the Seven Churches
      • First Introduction and Salutation (1:1–3)
      • Second Introduction and Salutation (1:4–8)
      • The Vision of the One like a Son of Man (1:9–20)
      • Prophecy to Ephesus (2:1–7)
      • Prophecy to Smyrna (2:8–11)
      • Prophecy to Pergamum (2:12–17)
      • Prophecy to Thyatira (2:18–29)
      • Prophecy to Sardis (3:1–6)
      • Prophecy to Philadelphia (3:7–13)
      • Prophecy to Laodicea (3:14–22)
      • Epilogue (22:16–17a, 20–21)

Top Highlights

“Cumulative evidence indicates that the Baptist’s prophetic calling was recognized, respected, and feared. It would therefore be surprising if some disciple or disciples had not troubled to record and preserve his message. It is our contention that this is the origin of Revelation. Not only does the Baptist’s teaching not conflict with the message of our apocalypse, but it has certain themes in common.” (Page 30)

“When considering, then, who the author or originator of Revelation might have been, one needs to look for a Jew who was firmly grounded in the prophetical tradition of Israel, one who believed in the imminence of the Kingdom which would usher in ‘He that cometh’ and the ‘Day of the Lord’; cf. Matt 3:2–3. The candidate who seems most suitable is John the Baptist.” (Page 28)

“This may simply imply ‘a short period,’ but it may have an indirect reference to such texts as Dan 1:12–14 where Daniel and his companions are ‘tested’ with a vegetarian diet for ten days and Gen 24:55 where Rebekah’s family ask that she remain with them ten days.” (Page 395)

“The concept of the remnant has three facets: destruction, salvation, and an opportunity for the sinners to repent. The prophet has predicted destruction in the second, third, fourth, and sixth seals, where there is no mention of the role of repentance.” (Page 120)

“There may also be a connection between the idea of sealing and the blood which was placed on the doors of the Israelite homes in Egypt to protect them against the angel who destroyed the Egyptians (Exod 12:23).” (Page 122)

Product Details

• Title: Revelation
• Author: J. Massyngberde Ford
• Series: Anchor Yale Bible (AYB)
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication Date: 1995
• Pages: 528

About J. Massyngberde Ford

J. Massyngberde Ford is professor of New Testament studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.