Revelation (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary | SHBC)
Overview
The book of Revelation has been often misused and neglected by Christians who are unsure of how to approach this apocalyptic text. Mitchell Reddish believes that the church has an obligation to reclaim the book of Revelation and allow it to speak afresh as a powerful message of God. His commentary combines serious scholarship with contemporary application, designed to help modern readers understand and appreciate this mysterious and forward-looking writing. Revelation is filled with visual and auditory richness. Reddish maintains that the visions, symbols, and seemingly strange images in the book are to be experienced more than explained. His interpretation asserts that the genius of Revelation is found in the cumulative effect of these imaginative components of John’s writings. The unique features of this commentary are its three-fold format for each section of the biblical text: 1 a commentary section containing critical analysis and interpretation; 2 a section that makes connects the text and the modern reader by suggesting contemporary applications of the text; and 3 special interest material related to the text.
Top Highlights
“One of the most widely popularized approaches today to interpreting Revelation understands the messages to the seven churches (chs. 2–3) not as actual messages to churches in the first century but as descriptions of and warnings to the church in general during seven specific periods of its history. The first church (Ephesus) represents the apostolic period. The remaining churches represent the succeeding stages of church history, with the last church (Laodicea) representing the present situation of the church.” (Pages 27–28)
“During the first century ad, the city was economically prosperous. When an earthquake destroyed the city in ad 60, the city refused imperial assistance, instead opting to rebuild the city out of its own financial resources.” (Page 79)
“true locus of the world’s power. The emperor may sit on his throne in Rome, but his throne is no match for God’s throne.” (Page 92)
“To have its lampstand removed means that the church would no longer exist.” (Page 54)
“A similar description of Christ appears in Colossians 1:15–20 (cf. John 1:2–3; Heb 1:2). If indeed the church at Colossae had exchanged letters from Paul with the church at Laodicea (see Col 4:16), then the Laodiceans would have been familiar with this image of Christ. This phrase may have been a part of an ancient confession of faith or hymn to Christ. The idea is that Christ is the source of God’s creation, the agent through whom God created the world. Ultimately behind this imagery is an adaptation of Hebrew wisdom speculation, which personified the wisdom of God and claimed that God’s wisdom was present and active in the creation of the world (see Prov 3:19; 8:22–31). As the source of creation, Christ speaks with authority to the churches.” (Pages 80–81)
- Title: Revelation
- Author: Mitchell G. Reddish
- Series: Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary
- Publisher: Smyth & Helwys
- Print Publication Date: 2001
- Logos Release Date: 2018
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. N.T. Revelation › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9781573127233, 157312723X
- Resource ID: LLS:SHC87REV
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:58:23Z
Reviews
1 rating
Matt Dabbs
1/25/2022
Ever since I was in seminary and my favorite professor said this was the best commentary on Revelation, it has been my favorite as well. Beale comes in a close second. The info in here is astounding...the colors and images are vibrant. You won't go wrong getting this commentary!
