Digital Logos Edition
As the author of this commentary explains, the very first word of John’s composition, “revelation,” is an essential clue for the interpreter of Revelation. The primary intent of this literature is to reveal the “mysteries of God” to believers presently experiencing oppression and suffering. This commentary will help you discover the meaning behind the complex ideas and images found in this last book of the Bible.
“Revelation is an apocalyptic-prophetic epistle written to encourage the whole community of faith to focus its faith and life on the triumph of a sovereign God’s reign which has now been disclosed through the exaltation of God’s Christ.” (Page 39)
“The overcomer endures the present crisis because the overcomer has an ear to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Page 71)
“Additional clues are found at the ‘moment of composition.’ The author’s second decision, after receiving the commission to write down his visions for the seven congregations, was to format and frame his visions in a specific way.” (Page 4)
“Most scholars now agree that the John of Revelation is neither the author of the Fourth Gospel nor the Apostle John. We agree with this conclusion (although the evidence on both sides of the issue remains inconclusive).” (Page 8)
“In particular, there are four ‘moments’ in the history of any biblical text where the careful student finds clues to guide the interpretation of Scripture.” (Page 3)
Wall’s commentary is a valuable contribution to the study of Revelation. It interacts well with most of the leading contemporary scholarship in the field. It provides an angle of perspective on John’s vision that opens some new vistas into its meaning and provides healthy correctives of many misconceptions. This is a useful resource for college and seminary classes on Revelation and a helpful tool for those with theological/biblical training who would lead Bible studies on Revelation.
—M. Robert Mulholland Jr., Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary