Revelation, 2 vols. (International Theological Commentary | ITC)
Overview
The Book of Revelation is the last book in the canon of the New Testament, and its only apocalyptic document, though there are short apocalyptic passages in various places in the gospels and the epistles. These two volumes on Revelation offer systematic and thorough interpretation of the book of Revelation. Revelation brings together the worlds of heaven, earth and hell in a final confrontation between the forces of good and evil. Its characters and images are both real and symbolic, spiritual and material, and it is frequently difficult to know the difference between them.
Revelation’s cryptic nature has ensured that it would always be a source of controversy. This commentary focuses on the theological content, gleaning the best from both the classical and modern commentary traditions and showing the doctrinal development of Scriptural truths. Scholarship on the book of Revelation has nonetheless not only endured, but even captured the imagination of generations of Bible students, both professionals and laypeople alike. Through its focus on the message of the book through scholarly analysis, this International Theological Commentary reconnects to the ecclesial tradition of biblical commentary as an effort in ressourcement, though not slavish repetition.
These volumes will display as a single resource in your digital library.
- Provides a verse by verse interpretation of the book of Revelation
- Focuses on the message of the text through scholarly analysis
- Offers the best from both classical and modern commentary traditions
Top Highlights
“Reading Revelation is difficult enough. Reading Revelation responsibly in such a highly charged atmosphere brings peculiar challenges. The perennial temptation to assume that John is talking about us becomes nearly overwhelming. Christians have often succumbed to the temptation, pinning apocalyptic labels on the characters and crises of their own times.” (Volume 1, Page 3)
“This gives us four basic divisions of the book: The first vision is from 1:10 to 3:22, a vision from Patmos. The second runs from 4:1 to 16:21, a vision in heaven. The third goes from 17:1 to 21:8; it is a vision from the wilderness. The final vision is from 21:9 to 22:21, a vision from the mountain.” (Volume 1, Page 44)
“Revelation is framed with an epistolary introduction and a concluding blessing. Within the overall epistolary frame, chapters 2–3 contain seven messages to the angels of the churches of Asia Minor, and the rest of the book is an eighth letter to another church, the church in the city that John describes as ‘Babylon.’ It is a prophetic pastoral letter.” (Volume 1, Page 43)
“According to Daniel, ‘God has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what must take place in the last days.’ The crucial difference is the time reference. Daniel predicts the distant future; John sees and hears things that will happen ‘soon.’ What was sealed in the time of Daniel is unsealed for John.” (Volume 1, Page 71)
“John’s Gospel records the signs that Jesus began to do. Revelation records the signs that Jesus continued to perform after his exaltation.” (Volume 1, Page 81)
Partially includedReviews
5 ratings
Ray Mills
9/11/2023
Glenn Crouch
8/30/2023
Note: This is a combined review of Volumes 1 and 2 I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed going through the Book of Revelation with Leithart. I especially liked his argument for a pre-70 AD date for the book, and the suggestion of seeing Revelation as the Gospel of John part 2 - sort of like Luke/Acts. This develops nicely with his handling of the 5th chapter of Revelation. Since the Gospel of John doesn’t have the Ascension, we see that in Rev 5 - but unlike Luke/Acts, we see it from the heavenly realm. I would say that the handling of Revelation 5 was a highlight for me - and I’ve already used material from there in preaching ;-) While I agree with much that the Author presents, there are also many items that I need more thought on - and need to do more investigation. But that does make this a good commentary. This is also a commentary that has been designed to be read not just referenced, as the author does develop his approach over the chapters. Plus he makes good reference to other Authors including historical ones. It is well referenced and well indexed. These 2 volumes are worth having for any preacher or serious student of the New Testament.
Jeremy Priest
4/22/2023
Absolutely outstanding. This is Peter Leithart at his best. Everything you could ask for in a theological commentary, plus his superb use of the English language!
Forrest Cole
11/9/2021
Dr. Brett Burrowes
5/31/2020
Leithart's analysis of intertextual allusions is superb and full of deep insight, regardless of whether you accept his preterist approach to Revelation. A wonderful complement to Beale's commentary!
