Revelation of Jesus Christ: Commentary on the Book of Revelation

by Ranko Stefanovic

This verse-by-verse commentary offers a text-focused and Christ-centered approach to the book of Revelation. Appropriate for personal study and as a college and seminary text, this volume provides both in-depth notes and lay-oriented exposition for use by scholars, students, pastors, and laypeople. An ever-increasing interest in the prophecies of the Apocalypse has resulted in deeper understandings which are introduced in this updated edition.
Ranko Stefanovic is professor of New Testament at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He holds a Ph.D. degree from Andrews University and is a well-loved teacher, popular speaker, and author of scholarly articles.

“This commentary provides the reader with a careful study of the text that lays bare its powerful connections of Revelation to the Old and New Testaments and to the historical context of its first audience. No reader will come away from the book empty handed but will gain fresh insight into the message and theology of the book and a renewed sense of faith and hope in the Jesus of Revelation.”

Felix Cortez, Ph.D., Associate Professor of New Testament Studies
University of Montemorelos

“In his commentary on the book of Revelation, Ranko Stefanovic has provided a scholarly study of one of the most intriguing books of the Bible. His command of the biblical languages and his vast knowledge of Scripture are evident throughout the book. Of particular interest is his historicist approach in the interpretation of Revelation and his desire to show how events in history and prophecies are interrelated. Students of the Bible will find his commentary a valuable source of information and insights.”

Denis Fortin, Ph.D., Dean, Professor of Theology
Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

“This exposition of John’s Apocalypse in its second edition offers a serious effort to present a responsible exegesis of John’s language in connection with that of the Old Testament prophets. This approach recommends itself to all who are searching for John’s own intentions with his visions. All can benefit from this careful approach to the book of Revelation.”

Hans K. LaRondelle, Th.D., Professor Emeritus of Theology, Andrews University

“A must-read glimpse of the significance of Jesus Christ and His Cross for the church in the world through the entire Christian history. In this revised edition, Stefanovic adds to his widely-regarded original work enriching perspectives that anchor Revelation’s prophetic character squarely in Christian history as the arena in which the struggle between Christ and Satan both unfolds and climaxes. His readable passage-by-passage commentary will long offer theological and spiritual resources for any serious student of Scripture’s last book that speaks so clearly to our day.”

Larry Lichtenwalter, Ph.D., Senior Pastor
Village Seventh-day Adventist Church, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Adjunct professor, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

“Ranko Stefanovic has provided us a comprehensive and up-to-date commentary on the Revelation of John from a historicist perspective. In this second revised edition that perspective becomes more focused and better articulated. All those interested in apocalyptic literature should take advantage of the helpful content of this new edition.”

Alberto R. Timm, Ph.D., Rector of the Latin-American Adventist Theological Seminary

Genres: Religion, Theology

686 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2002

Reviews

[Eddie Galarza · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is quite refreshing to read and intelligent and scholarly volume on the book of Revelation. Fanciful interpretations and all manner of flabbergasting ideas have made their way to the main stream market place of religious ideas claiming to have their basis upon this book, when in reality most all these ill conceived notions do nothing but discredit their source. Stefanovic rightly places Christ at the center of his book, His unfailing love and righteous justice permeate every page, His death in Calvary and soon coming are the constant themes of every chapter. All the way until the end he reminds us that Revelation wasn't written in order to satisfy our curiosity about the future, but to encourage believers to remain faithful to God in the midst of trials, temptations and even the fear death. Aided by historic, linguistic, biblical, and cultural studies, Stefanovic explores each verse on their proper context, emphasizing what the text actually says rather than to provide an interpretation to the symbolic nature of the book. He often explores the meaning of John's visions, but exegesis takes precedence on every step of the way. He takes the historic approach of interpretation, favoring it over the preterist, futurist and allegorical methods. My only critique is that the later chapters seemed a little thin in comparison with the earlier ones. I understand that the author wanted to avoid themes he had explored in previous chapters, but it appeared to me that the first two thirds of the book contained more substance than the last third. I found myself constantly supplementing my reading with other books (such as the 7th SDA Bible Commentary) in order to have a better grasp on the text of Revelation. In any case, this is a book I highly recommend for any serious student of the Word of God.

[Dave Tielung · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a good book for edvancing the book of revelation

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

A textual, verse-by-verse commentary of the book of Revelation.

This book often felt like it left somewhat to be desired in its applications. There were areas where I felt the author could have been more specific in his interpretation, but left it more general. I also felt it could have been organized a little better, as the Notes and Expositions sections often had quite a bit of overlap.

However, I did appreciate the biblical approach. The author frequently brought forth the links and quotations from old testament passages that gave more nuance to the usage in Revelation. There were several things I learned, such as springboard passages, and the hear then look pattern.

[Laura McAllister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good commentary

Very good study.
Can be a bit repetitive on the notes but I guess that helps with understanding. Looking for more by this author.

[Andre Filho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insights. Lack of a more connected storyline.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I planned to read this book over the course of a year. Yes, it took me almost a year to read. Next i plan to read it with my husband. As a young person I was a persistent daydreamer; as an older person I have great memory gaps-- not a great combo for a serious scholar.

I'm an Adventist Christian who didn't receive an education in an Adventist institution. I want to understand the book of Revelation-- Ranko Stefanovic is held up as a "well-loved teacher, popular speaker, and author of scholarly articles" (back cover of the book). He has a good deal of important commentary for me to use in my study and better understanding of Revelation.

[Lars · Rating 3 out of 5]

It does go through the Book of Revelation verse-by-verse as promised, but it does not take a deeper look at the more contested issues, such as the millenium. It doesn't engage with other contemporary interpretations of the book such as universalist readings. It often misses important background information such as how Jews would have thought about particular symbols and places at the time. It's not bad - probably the best book on Revelation from an SDA perspective - but it's lacking nevertheless.

[J.C. Gouveia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este comentário, verso a verso, é uma obra de incrível dedicação à interpretação do texto bíblico. O autor, Dr. Ranko Stefanovic, faz uma análise textual que usa como recurso o ambiente histórico, descobertas arqueológicas, geografia, mas, principalmente, o Antigo Testamento como fonte de referência para o entendimento da linguagem do Apocalipse. A melhor obra que li do Apocalipse até hoje.

[Oisso Julius]

THE BOOK IS GOOD AS IT FITS FOR 21ST CENTURY BIBLE STUDENTS

[Deivid Duran]

este libro es muy bueno

[Edward Pemba · Rating 4 out of 5]

the most updated commentary on Revelation. i love the use of old testament as a source of interpretation