Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Revelation
Overview
Eugene Boring addresses the issue of how thinking Christians who want to live faithfully and responsibly in today's world can hear the Word of God in Revelation. He explores the meaning of Revelation as an example of Christian prophecy, emphasizing the central phenomenon of Revelation, which is the risen Jesus Christ speaking to his churches through the Spirit. The message should not be obscured by the violent language and vivid imagery or bizarre-sounding content. We must not leave the interpretation of Revelation to the sensationalizers.
Revelation has had enormous influence on religion, and culture. It has an urgently needed message for the contemporary church. Boring's clearly written interpretation enables us to hear, interpret, and understand that message. Understanding this message equips Christians for life in the tumultuous present in the light of God's redeeming act.
- Detailed introduction
- Bibliography
Top Highlights
“The ‘Nicolaitans,’ ‘Balaam,’ and ‘Jezebel’ promoted the ‘progressive’ doctrine of accommodation to the culture around them.” (Page 93)
“Revelation is thus best understood as a letter written in 96 by John, a Christian prophet, to churches in Asia that he expected would be facing a terrible persecution.” (Page 10)
“Instead of the anticipated breaking of the seventh seal his vision lets us see the sealing of God’s servants—another motif taken from tradition. Instead of seeing the expected End, what we see is the church. This is literary craftsmanship, but more than that—it is a reflection of the experience of first-century Christianity. They looked for the End and what came was the church, not as a substitute for the act of God but itself a dimension of God’s saving activity.” (Page 127)
“John intentionally withholds any description of the central figure on the throne, leaving a blank center in the picture to be filled in by the figure of the Lamb—yet another means of affirming that God is the one who defines himself by Christ.” (Page 103)
“Prophets were not predictors of historical events of the distant future but were inspired interpreters of the historical events through which their hearers were living.” (Page 25)
The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.
—W. Eugene March, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
The Interpretation series is an invaluable resource for any leader or scholar interested in interpreting the biblical text to the broader church. Its works are essential for pastors, educators, and church libraries.
—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary
- Title: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Revelation
- Author: M. Eugene Boring
- Publisher: John Knox Press
- Publication Date: 1989
- Pages: 236