Book Recommendations - The New International Greek Testament Commentary - The Book of Revelation

Ever since my Jack Chick days, I have held the pretribulation position. That was over twenty years ago. But a thorough investigation changed my perspective on eschatology. One crucial shift is that its emphasis on the prophecies' fulfillment is less important now than its exhortation to be obedient followers of Christ. It is intrinsically connected to the larger plan of redemptive history and does not stand alone merely as a book of mysterious images. 

And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 

Luke 21:29-31  

But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. 

Mark13:23  

It used to be common to ask "when," but in reality, the real question is "why and what." The book of the Revelation (of Jesus Christ) is best read and understood in all its glorious clarity when viewed through the prism of Biblical Theology. It is not just a book about what will happen; it is about what we should steadfastly stand on. Not to be fascinated about what the mark of the beast is, but about the significance of having the mark of God.

And the LORD said to him, “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” And to the others he said in my hearing, “Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity. Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the house.

Ezekiel 9:4-6 

Understanding the end times ought to push the church toward a more active evangelism, shake us out of our present complacency, and make us reevaluate our priorities—namely, whether we are timidly serving our kingdom rather than the kingdom of the coming King.

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Book Description from Best Commentaries:

This monumental commentary on the book of Revelation, originally published in 1999, has been highly acclaimed by scholars, pastors, students, and others seriously interested in interpreting the Apocalypse for the benefit of the church. Too often Revelation is viewed as a book only about the future. As G. K. Beale shows, however, Revelation is not merely a futurology but a book about how the church should live for the glory of God throughout the ages -- including our own.

Engaging important questions concerning the interpretation of Revelation in scholarship today, as well as interacting with the various viewpoints scholars hold on these issues, Beale's work makes a major contribution in the much-debated area of how the Old Testament is used in the Apocalypse. Approaching Revelation in terms of its own historical background and literary character, Beale argues convincingly that John's use of Old Testament allusions -- and the way the Jewish exegetical tradition interpreted these same allusions -- provides the key for unlocking the meaning of Revelation's many obscure metaphors. In the course of Beale's careful verse-by-verse exegesis, which also untangles the logical flow of John's thought as it develops from chapter to chapter, it becomes clear that Revelation's challenging pictures are best understood not by apparent technological and contemporary parallels in the twentieth century but by Old Testament and Jewish parallels from the distant past.

Reviews from Amazon:

The commentary by Beale can serve as the main commentary you use to study Revelation. The density of the book may turn some readers off to it; however, it is organized to give readers clear indications of each sections content, the main assertions and interpretations, special sections to provide more focused discussion and further references and background on texts. It is not necessary to know Greek to use this commentary.

I read through this entire book in preparing a study on Revelation and found that it was an excellent choice for such use. I think Beale approaches Revelation with a sound theological foundation, understanding of Biblical theology, appreciation for historical, literary and religious contexts, and awareness of various views and arguments for the big and small pictures of Revelation.

Beale writes for the highest level of academia, as this is often a text used by seminary classes, and he is accessible for the seasoned lay reader. In other words, this book does not require a seminary education to understand and appreciate. It does require a passion to gain understanding and wisdom of the Book of Revelation and God's salvation.

Like all good commentaries on Revelation, Beale introduces and discusses the several approaches to interpreting the book. I think Beale's method and approach to interpreting Revelation are correct theologically, historically and Scripturally. He describes his approach as Eclectic or Redemptive-Historical. He recognizes historically relevant texts without limiting them to one historical reality. He recognizes those texts that refer to future events as relevant to Christians in all ages. He takes up the crucial and challenging task to identify through careful exegesis how texts pertain to the past, present and future. He sees most symbols as applicable to realities throughout the "church age" until the New Jerusalem descends at the return of Jesus. This approach allows for the "Already-Not Yet" reality of God's Kingdom and Christ's rule. Beale identifies the various genres in Revelation and interprets them appropriately.

Beale writes, "The book portrays an end-time new creation which has irrupted into the present old world through the death and resurrection of Christ, as well as through the sending of the Spirit at Pentecost." He often restates themes of Revelation emphasized to the original audience and to the church in all times.

Throughout the book, Beale will cite differing views on texts and then offer his interpretation and why. I found this process helpful. Those who approach Revelation with a different interpreation such as a futurist view would be well served to read this and examine Beale's interpretation against their own.

Beale has contributed the chapter on Revelation to the book Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament And in this commentary on Revelation, he provides many references and connections between Revelation and the Old Testament. This is a necessity to understanding and interpreting Revelation correctly. Beale stays faithful to New Testament and Old Testament teachings in his interpretation of Revelation. What Beale writes concerning the "millenium" in Revelation 20 reveals his approach: "the only hope of obtaining any clarity about this segment is to interpret it primarily in the light of its closest parallels elsewhere in the [Book of Revelation] and in the New Testament and Old Testament." BEale also references extra-canonical sources and traditions when helpful.

Ultimately, Beale's interpretation centers on the gospel of Jesus Christ -- the cross, resurrection, ascension, pouring out of the Holy Spirit and his promised return and consummating his kingdom. Beale writes the following concerning the suffering of saints revealed in the book: "Suffering of Christians is a sign, not of Satan's victory, but of the saints' victory over Satan because of their belief in the triumph of the cross, with which their suffering identifies them." As Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain and is alive, is the center of Revelation, He is the center of this commentary, too.

I can fully recommend this book to help readers gain the correct message of Revelation, its purposes, truths, warnings, confrontations, etc. The message of Revelation is an imperative for the church, and it is important for the church to study the message and teach it correctly. This book is a great tool for that purpose.

From Craig Stephans

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Beale has written on of the most expansive commentaries that leaves very little in the Book of Revelation unexplored. The Introduction itself is worth the price of the book. The book is 1157 pages long and has very few if any weaknesses in the conclusions that are reached. The major strength of the book is that Beale allows the Old Testament to be interpreted by the writer of Revelation without assuming that John is using it as a proof text. Beale explores the Old Testament context to get at what John was doing and seeing and when this is done it makes interpretation much easier, with not so much guess work. Beale is a futurist, but by no means in the dispensational sense. In being a futurist, he recognizes that some things like the resurrection are future, but that much of the rest is both past (preterist) and ongoing throughout history. I think that a "prolepticist" might describe him better than simply futurist. He does come down on the side of "a-millenialism", but supports his conclusions well. Richard Bauckham recommended this book to me and said it is "reliable." I would say that is true and may be somewhat of an understatement. This work is exhaustive and it has many Greek discussions and a little Hebrew, but Beale does translate all Greek words and sentences immediately after the Greek sentence is laid out. There are some complicated text critical discussions, but this type of thing is always after the main discussion so that it is not mixed in, interrupting the flow of thought. If I could change one thing in the book it would be that Beale or the editors of this commentary series would have provided as translation that introduced each section. I do recommend this book for everyone who has been exposed to a theological education. It would be a difficult work to cut your teeth on if you are just getting into Biblical studies, but for those who have some training this book is great.

From Erin J.

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