Ebook
Exiled to Patmos, John the apostle receives a vision of the risen Christ along with epistles to be sent to the churches of Asia Minor. Unable to go himself, John enlists the aid of one of his guards as his messenger. Prochorus, a new convert, carries the letters to the seven churches. At each location he encounters the problems those first-century churches faced, as outlined in the letters. Interaction with the people in those cities brings to life the commendations and condemnations announced by God. At the same time his former commander, Ulpius, pursues him in an attempt to prevent what he considers disloyalty to his god, Emperor Domitian. Other trouble arises from those who worship the Greek gods. In spite of threats, arrests, opposition, and disappointment, Prochorus completes his mission. In every location he finds those who listen with open ears, respond to the divine message, repent of their sins revealed by a God who knows them, and experience revival.
“The Seven Revivals of the Apocalypse is a fascinating study of the Lord’s letters to the seven churches described in Revelation 1–3 set in the context of a well-crafted novel. The author skillfully intertwines accurate biblical commentary, insightful descriptions, and an intriguing and suspenseful story about the recently converted messenger who takes the seven letters to the churches. I highly recommend this book.”
—Larry Pettegrew, research professor of theology, Shepherds Theological Seminary
“Though John’s letters are difficult to understand in places, Robert Allen has made easily readable the epistles to the seven churches. There is a good chance the effort Allen has put into this work will revive your own soul again and the souls of others to whom you might recommend the book. I felt my own heart strangely warmed after reading it. You will, too. A blessing is inescapable.”
—James Lutzweiler, former archivist, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“In my opinion, The Seven Revivals of the Apocalypse is the apex of the works which Robert Allen has produced thus far.”
—Jim Odens, president, IGO Missions
“I have been blessed and challenged by Robert Allen’s books. This is the best one I have read so far. After reading the book, you may not see Revelation 2–3 the same again. I highly recommend the book. In fact, I think it is a must-read.”
—Ernie Schmidt, former president, Faith Baptist Bible College
“In The Seven Revivals of the Apocalypse, Robert Allen shows us what exile may have looked like for the apostle John. By a proper use of the Scriptures and his ‘sanctified imagination,’ Allen shows us how each church may have reacted to the letter written specifically to them in Revelation 2–3. Their response and repentance most probably resulted in God’s call to Revival.”
—Rick Brooks, ministry representative, Word of Life Fellowship
Robert A. Allen has served as senior pastor of several churches in over fifty years of ministry. He taught speech, drama, writing, and homiletics at Pillsbury College, Liberty University, Clarks Summit University, and the University of Northwestern, St. Paul. He holds an MA in speech and theater from the University of Minnesota, Mankato; an MDiv from Central Baptist Seminary; and a DMin from Baptist Bible Seminary of Pennsylvania.