Revelation (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament | BECNT)

by Grant R. Osborne

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2002

Overview

The Book of Revelation contains some of the most difficult passages in Scripture. In this addition to the acclaimed BECNT series, Grant Osborne's commentary on Revelation aims to interpret the text while also introducing readers to the perspectives of contemporary scholarship in a clear and accessible manner.

Osborne begins with a thorough introduction to Revelation and the many difficulties involved in its interpretation. He discusses authorship, date of writing, and the social and cultural setting of the work. He also examines elements that complicate the interpretation of apocalyptic literature, including the use of symbols and figures of speech, Old Testament allusions, and the role of prophetic prediction. Osborne surveys various approaches commentators have taken on whether Revelation refers primarily to the past or to events that are yet future.

Osborne avoids an overly technical interpretative approach. Rather than exegeting the text narrowly in a verse-by-verse manner, he examines larger sections in order to locate and emphasize the writer's central message and the theology found therein. Throughout, he interacts with the best recent scholarship and presents his conclusions in an accessible manner. When dealing with particularly problematic sections, he considers the full range of suggested interpretations and introduces the reader to a broad spectrum of commentators.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The primary problems in studying the Apocalypse are four: the symbolism; the structure of the book; the debate among historicist, preterist, idealist, and futurist interpretations; and the use of the OT in the book.” (Page 1)

“Rather, it means that the church lacked size and stature in the community and was looked down upon and persecuted. They had ‘little authority’ or influence. ‘But’⁹ they were faithful, and that has always been the test of divine blessing rather than success.” (Page 189)

“Every interpreter must ask the same two questions: What does each symbol portray in the literal world of history, and what background knowledge do I utilize to determine its meaning?” (Page 16)

“The Laodiceans were immensely wealthy, and this led to self-sufficiency and complacency, a deadly combination for the Christian.” (Page 206)

“Therefore, it seems likely that the woman here represents Israel, the people of God (with 12:17, where she represents the church, we can conclude that she represents the whole people of God, Israel and the church).” (Page 456)

Praise for the Print Edition

Osborne has successfully combined a thorough familiarity with the text of Revelation, a detailed knowledge of recent scholarship, and a clear writing style with a vital concern for the practical needs of students, pastors, and laity alike. His commentary invites a broad readership and will serve as an excellent text for courses on Revelation.

—David E. Aune, University of Notre Dame

This clearly written commentary reflects thorough engagement with the literature and careful interaction with the text. I find Osborne's judgments sound and well-supported. This work is an excellent resource for both scholars and students and will undoubtedly takes its place among the standard academic commentaries on Revelation.

—Craig Keener, professor of New Testament, Eastern Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Revelation
• Author: Grant R. Osborne
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2002
• Pages: 896

About Grant R. Osborne

Grant R. Osborne (1942–2018) was an award-winning author and theologian. Osborne earned a PhD from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He has also did academic research at at the University of Cambridge and the University of Marburg.

Osborne served as the professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Prior to that, he taught at Winnipeg Theological Seminary and the University of Aberdeen.

Osborne was a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Evangelical Theological Society, and the Institute of Biblical Research. His areas of expertise included the Gospels, hermeneutics, and the book of Revelation.

Along with editing The IVP New Testament Commentary Series and The Life Application Bible Commentary, Osborne also authored several titles including The Hermeneutical Spiral, the volume on Revelation in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series, and several other commentary volumes.