Product Description

An even-handed summary of the four traditional views of Revelation in parallel columns. This convenient presentation not only gives you the information you need on these key views, but also informs you about outstanding commentators on the book of Revelation throughout much of church history. A wonderful addition to any Bible study resource library.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33415 in Books
• Published on: 1997-05-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 608 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780840721280
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Customer Reviews

Nothing else quite like it
This is a terrific book! The author has researched a vast array of commentaries and commentators on the book of Revelation and given us a summary of four different ways of interpreting the book, straight from the mouths of proponents of the various views.

It is obvious that in such a work he cannot be exhaustive. Furthermore, he doesn't really try to prove any one position but simply tries to let the advocates of the various positions state their views.

As a pastor I find this book valuable. Although I obviously have more time to study the bible than most I don't have all the time in the world. I don't have the time to wade through a dozen or more commentaries in preparing to teach on the book of Revelation. However, I have the responsibility to teach accurately and to fairly represent different views which are found within Christendom.

This is where the book shows its greatest strength. Full time scholars will wade through all of the commentaries, but pastors and bible teachers whose time is more limited can turn to this book as a reference on the differing views.

One of the things you will find is that there are four broad categories of approach to the book of Revelation - the historicist, preterist, futurist and idealist. And you will also find that within those categories there are differing angles which are taken on particular passages. This could be discouraging to some because it may make you come away thinking that the task of understanding the book of Revelation is hopeless.

On the other hand, maybe God has a purpose in this confusion. I believe it was Pascal who said something along the lines of this - God did not give us the bible to tickle our intellects but to tranform our our lives. I probably butchered the quote, but the point is that maybe God gave us Revelation in the form it is in to help us understand His greatness and our smallness. Maybe the book of Revelation has received so many different interpretations because God doesn't want us to figure it out or become experts, He wants to humble us and reduce us to awe and wonder at His power which is so richly displayed in the book of Revelation.

All of this is not to say that we can or should be agnostic when it comes to interpreting the book of Revelation. I have a definite opinion on the book and am prepared to argue it. However, this book has tempered my argumentative spirit. It has helped me to see where those I disagree with are coming from and shown me where those opponents have pointed out legitimate weaknesses in my own position. Most importantly though, it helps me embrace those brothers I disagree with as we eagerly await the return of Christ.

As good as a book of this type can get
This is an easy-to-read, clearly articulated description of the main lines of interpretation on this book, presented in parallel format, so you can check one perspective with another right on the same page. As such, this book's main strength is also its main weakness. It offers very clear, unbiased descriptions of the Historicist, Preterist, Futurist, and Spiritual/Idealist views of Rev. 1-19, as well as Premillennial, Postmillenial and Amillennial interpretations of Rev. 20. Thus you get a very well-written description of each view (whereas in many other commentaries on Rev., it is difficult to know exactly which approach the author is taking, what implications that approach has on the rest of the book, or what other interpretive options exist.)

What you DON'T get here is an interaction between the views (as in Pate's "Four Views" book); this commentary doesn't point out the strengths or weaknesses that have traditionally been associated with each viewpoint. After reading it, you will understand the differing viewpoints much better, but you won't be much closer to making a good, informed decision yourself, on which approach you think is stronger.

In short, this is an excellent supplementary commentary to have, in addition to another comentary that actually takes a stance on some of the issues. This is definitely a commentary worth having, but get Aune's or Beale's commentaries (for example) in addition for some top-flight research that focuses on drawing conclusions rather than summarizing options.

The impossible, accomplished!
I did not think it could be done. How could anyone write, presenting varying views that are opposed to each other and remain unbiased? Steve Gregg has done just that.
I became a Christian reading a famous book about revelation written from the dispensational perspective. I became so well versed in this view that I could teach the book of Revelation without notes. After attending a Bible College that was exclusively dispensational, a pastor who embraced the historic premillennial view challenged me to learn about other views on the subject. I resisted, like the know-it-all 26 year old I was at the time, but I did follow my pastor's advice and began reading.
I have since evolved through historic premillennialism and am now a humble amillennialist. (I say humble because I know that better men than me have differing opinions on eschatology.)
When I read Steve Gregg's masterpiece, I was stunned to see that he faithfully and charitably presented an unbiased look at the varying views of Revelation. THIS IS A MUST READ for any and all students of eschatology-especially those who are unread in views other than their own. BRAVO!