The Book of Revelation

Here is a user friendly guide to reading and understanding the last and enigmatic book of the New Testament. It is designed for the interested non-specialist, like the educated lay person, student, or church professional, and is ideally suited for parish adult bible study groups and college level inquiry. Its Socratic method of question and answer makes it very desirable for parish study groups and classroom use alike. Non-biblical theologians and teachers of humanities will find it a valuable resource for making Revelation accessible. Preachers will find it helpful for identifying the main ideas of Revelation. This "virtual classroom" style commentary will help make the Book of Revelation accessible in a way that the more technical line-by-line commentary cannot. While being rooted in the best of modern biblical scholarship on the Book of Revelation, the interpretation is set out in a straightforward, simple way, emphasizing the themes and theology of the book. This is not a book written for scholars, but for the interested adult non-specialist. It seeks to steer a middle course between highly technical and too elementary commentaries. The background and literary characteristics essential to grasping the book's content and context are set out in non technical terms. The periodic reviews help the reader progress from one section to the next. This guide will help the reader discover that many mysteries of the Book of Revelation are illuminated by understanding John's use of great Old Testament themes, his perspective on good and evil, the symbolism employed in the book for Christ, God, and the Church, and his theology of the Kingdom of God.