Revelation 1-7 Exegetical Commentary

by Robert Thomas

Get back to the roots on Revelation Through the centuries since its writing, the book of Revelation has captured the fascination of the Christian church. The earliest Christians were unanimous in understanding it along a premillennial view of Jesus' second coming, but other hermeneutical approaches began to emerge in the third century. These clouded, and added complexity to, the task of explaining the book’s meaning. For most of the Christian era, consequently, many readers have viewed this last of the NT writings as though it were hopelessly embedded in an aura of deep mystery. An avalanche of interpretive literature has evidenced remarkable interest in the book’s contents, but along with the interest has come widespread bewilderment. Written especially for the informed layman, student, and scholar, this commentary seeks to clear the air. The book is interpreted according to a historical and grammatical hermeneutic and propounds a conservative, evangelical theology, but the reader will not get a narrow view on areas of disagreement. This commentary interacts with a range of major views, both evangelical and nonevangelical. It reaffirms the basic framework of eschatology espoused by ancient Christianity, but with added help from centuries of maturing thought and doctrinal progress in the Body of Christ. All exegesis and exposition in this commentary on chapters 1–7 are based on the original language of the text. Translations used are those of the author, and textual criticism and word study are included where appropriate. This in-depth commentary also includes extended excursuses on important topics of theological and historical interest.

524 pages, Hardcover

First published September 11, 1992

Reviews

[Shaun Marksbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential commentary for studying Revelation. Excellent.

[Justin Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal. This has been the best commentary I have ever read on the book of Revelation. An excellent study of Gods word. This is a MUST for anyone studying Revelation.

[Chris Armer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was required for one of my classes. It is written from a dispensational pretribulational view. I found that the argumentation was inconsistent due to his commitment to interpret Revelation through that particular lens. But Thompson often does a decent job laying out the various views and why he feels his view is preferred over the others. This is a good book for those who would like some of the best argumentation given from a dispensational perspective. I personally enjoyed and found more agreement with Beale's NIGTC commentary. I give the book four stars for what it accomplishes (presenting Revelation from a dispensational pretribulational perspective) and not necessarily because I agree with it.

[Fred Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a good friend and end-times author. Thomas does one of the best jobs of exegesis I have seem, both in and out of seminary.

[Joe Molinari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers all the bases and shares various interpretations, each case followed by convincing arguments from the author's viewpoint. Excellent commentary.