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Subject Guide: Apocalyptic

Revelation 

Revelations Overview

The Book of Revelation, written by John, is an apocalyptic letter addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor, encouraging them to remain faithful amid persecution and warning of tribulation. It unfolds through a series of symbolic visions, including the rise of evil powers, divine judgment, and the ultimate victory of Christ over evil. The narrative culminates in a vision of a new heaven and earth, where God dwells with humanity in restored creation free from pain and evil. Revelation uses vivid imagery to contrast the forces of evil with the redemptive power of God, calling believers to persevere and hope in God’s ultimate triumph.

Four main methods interpret Revelation:

  • Preterist: Views most prophecies as fulfilled in the first century, especially relating to the fall of Jerusalem or Rome.

  • Historicist: Sees Revelation as a symbolic outline of church history from the first century to the end times.

  • Idealist (Symbolic): Interprets the visions as timeless symbols of the ongoing struggle between good and evil, relevant to all generations.

  • Futurist: Believes most prophecies await future fulfillment, especially at the end of history

Journal Articles
Dissertations

Revelation Commentaries

Revelation
John Christopher Thomas
ProQuest Ebook Central

In this commentary, Thomas’s literary and exegetical analysis makes the challenging text of Revelation more accessible and easier to understand. Frank Macchia follows up with sustained theological essays on the book’s most significant themes and issues, accenting especially the underappreciated place of the Holy Spirit in the theology of Revelation.

More Revelation Commentaries
  • (ProQuest) Beale, G. K. John’s Use of the Old Testament in Revelation
  • (Online) Michaels, J. Ramsey. Revelation: IVP New Testament Commentary Series
  • (Library) Armerding, Carl Edwin, Gasque, W. Ward. A Guide to Biblical Prophecy
  • (ProQuest) Beale, G. K. Revelation: A Shorter Commentary
  • (ProQuest) Kovacs, Judith L. Revelation: The Apocalypse of Jesus Christ
  • (ProQuest) Blount, Brian K. Revelation: A Commentary
  • (Library)(Library) Osborne, Grant R. Revelation: Baker Exegetical Commentary
  • (ProQuest) Garrow, Rev A. J. P., and Garrow, A. J. P. Revelation. Oxford: Taylor & Francis Group, 1997
  • (ProQuest) Phillips, Richard D. Revelation. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 2017. 
  • (ProQuest) Thomas, John Christopher, and Macchia, Frank D. Revelation. Chicago: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2016.
  • (ProQuest) Hays, Richard B., and Alkier, Stefan, eds. Revelation and the Politics of Apocalyptic Interpretation. Waco: Baylor University Press, 2012. 
  • (ProQuest) Mcnicol, Allan J. The Conversion of the Nations in Revelation. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2011.
  • (ProQuest) Hemer, Colin J. Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in Their Local Setting. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 1987. 
    • (Library)(Library) Horton, Stanley M. The Ultimate Victory
    • (Library) Horton, Stanley M. It’s Getting Late
    • (Library) Horton, Stanley M. Bible Prophecy