Revelation (Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament | ACNT)

by Gerhard A. Krodel

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 1989

Overview

Perhaps no book in the entire New Testament has been misinterpreted to the extent of Revelation. The imagery and symbolism—and the entire genre of apocalyptic literature—presents an obstacle to interpretation, and exegetical method must be applied carefully. Gerhard Krodel, in his commentary on Revelation, offers a lengthy synopsis of Revelation’s interpretive history, including the myriad ways Revelation is misinterpreted. Yet a careful reading of Revelation reveals the nature of apocalyptic literature and the creative ways in which God speaks.

Key Features

• Discussion of historical issues, such as authorship, dating, and location
• Textual and literary notes
• Bibliographies and suggestions for further reading and study
• Scripture references linked to your Greek New Testament or English translation

Contents

Top Highlights

“John Calvin wrote a commentary on every New Testament book except Revelation.” (Page 25)

“The content of the scroll is put into effect in three cycles (seals, trumpets, and bowls) which are not consecutive along a time line. They are three parallel accounts, like three one-act plays, with new emphases, intensities, and perspectives. They make one point, that it is God and the Lamb who execute judgment and bring about salvation. Judgment is necessary because of Satan on one hand and idolatry on the other. Salvation is the rectification of all that is wrong. God shall establish his rightful claim upon the world by vindicating his people and destroying idolatry, death, and the devil.” (Page 161)

“Revelation found its place in the canon because of its wide use in the church of the West, the tenacity of Greek-speaking pockets in the East, and the prestige of Athanasius, who included it among the canonical writings of the New Testament in his famous 39th Easter festival letter of a.d. 367.” (Page 25)

“The vision John is communicating to his people that Christ, the victim, is the victor embraces all of life, including the future, even as his alternative vision of the beast and its worship embraces every aspect of society, including buying and selling (13:11–17), present and future (18:9–21).” (Pages 50–51)

“The Apocalypse has always been misunderstood when it is approached as code containing predictions for the interpreter’s own past and future; it has frequently been neglected and occasionally been maligned. Those who regarded it as key to the Scripture generally misused it most.” (Page 26)

Praise for the Print Edition

…an excellent commentary…for pastors, preachers, and students…It is scholarly without being over-academic and it is readable.

—Online reviewer

Product Details

• Title: Revelation
• Author: Gerhard Krodel
• Editors: Roy A. Harrisville, Jack Dean Kingsbury, and Gerhard A. Krodel
• Publisher: Augsburg
• Series: Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament
• Publication Date: 1989
• Pages: 391

About Gerhard A. Krodel

Dr. Gerhard Krodel has been dean of Gettysburg Seminary and professor of New Testament since 1977. His professional education took place at the Universities of Erlangen and Tübingen. He also attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and took courses at Union Theological Seminary, New York. He served as pastor, taught classical languages at Capital University, and was professor of New Testament at Wartburg Theological Seminary and at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. He has served on the Commission on Faith and Order of the National Council of Churches and on its Executive Committee, on the Task Force on Theology of the New Lutheran Church, and, since 1978, on the International Orthodox-Lutheran Dialog. He is the editor of Proclamation Commentaries.