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Throughout the history of Christianity, the book of Revelation has had an enormous influence in religion, history, and culture, and it still has an urgently needed message for the church. M. Eugene Boring's critical assessment of Revelation enlightens readers as to just what that message is. A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
236 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 1, 2025
My concluding thoughts.
Although my criticisms are sharp, readers can benefit from the book. He breaks down the structure of Revelation, which I think is a must for any reader of Revelation. He gives good pastoral guidance on perseverance, church unity and worship, among many others. I don’t deny the sincerity in his beliefs and I am sure he believes what he teaches is ultimately helpful for followers of Jesus Christ.
But as my review has made clear, I argue that Boring is wrong to say that John did not see what he said he saw. Instead of taking his cue from the apocalyptic genre, he should have taken his cue from the Scriptural canon. Revelation is in the Bible; other apocalyptic writings are not, because John is a faithful witness to the vision God gave him.
I argue that Boring is wrong to say no to Original Sin, no to the person of Satan, and wrong to say yes to Universal Salvation.
I don’t approve of his methods. He reads a verse, makes as giant claim for Universal Salvation, directs us to the dedicated chapter on that topic, but disappoints. He doesn’t unpack the verses; he just lists them, assuming that their existence is enough to show that there is a paradox when there isn’t.
There is one good reason for his approach, and that is he writes for those who already agree with him. Hence, he doesn’t feel the need to rigorously defend these positions.
Boring did not intend this, but his book demonstrates the dark side of Biblical Theology, when it is cut off from Systematic Theology. If you are getting all your theology only from Revelation and no other book, then it is understandable how Boring reached his conclusions on Original Sin, Satan, and Universal Salvation. Just as it is equally understandable how many others reach other crazy conclusions from Revelation.
There is a reason why cults love to use Revelation in their teachings, as Craig Koster in his commentary, “Revelation and the End of All Things” showed. That is a better book, get Koester’s book instead.
Boring drew on the cultural and literary context to make sense of Revelation. He should have also drew on the rest of the Bible to speak on these critical doctrines. He could protest, he is writing a commentary on Revelation, not a volume of Systematic Theology. And that’s why I say, he may have showed the unintended consequences of Biblical Theology on Revelation gone wild.
Full 3,200 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
Although my criticisms are sharp, readers can benefit from the book. He breaks down the structure of Revelation, which I think is a must for any reader of Revelation. He gives good pastoral guidance on perseverance, church unity and worship, among many others. I don’t deny the sincerity in his beliefs and I am sure he believes what he teaches is ultimately helpful for followers of Jesus Christ.
But as my review has made clear, I argue that Boring is wrong to say that John did not see what he said he saw. Instead of taking his cue from the apocalyptic genre, he should have taken his cue from the Scriptural canon. Revelation is in the Bible; other apocalyptic writings are not, because John is a faithful witness to the vision God gave him.
I argue that Boring is wrong to say no to Original Sin, no to the person of Satan, and wrong to say yes to Universal Salvation.
I don’t approve of his methods. He reads a verse, makes as giant claim for Universal Salvation, directs us to the dedicated chapter on that topic, but disappoints. He doesn’t unpack the verses; he just lists them, assuming that their existence is enough to show that there is a paradox when there isn’t.
There is one good reason for his approach, and that is he writes for those who already agree with him. Hence, he doesn’t feel the need to rigorously defend these positions.
Boring did not intend this, but his book demonstrates the dark side of Biblical Theology, when it is cut off from Systematic Theology. If you are getting all your theology only from Revelation and no other book, then it is understandable how Boring reached his conclusions on Original Sin, Satan, and Universal Salvation. Just as it is equally understandable how many others reach other crazy conclusions from Revelation.
There is a reason why cults love to use Revelation in their teachings, as Craig Koster in his commentary, “Revelation and the End of All Things” showed. That is a better book, get Koester’s book instead.
Boring drew on the cultural and literary context to make sense of Revelation. He should have also drew on the rest of the Bible to speak on these critical doctrines. He could protest, he is writing a commentary on Revelation, not a volume of Systematic Theology. And that’s why I say, he may have showed the unintended consequences of Biblical Theology on Revelation gone wild.
Full 3,200 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
November 18, 2025
My main feeling about this commentary is that the author's name is fitting.
June 13, 2012
Most scholars' s agree on the fundamentals of how to interpret Revelation, the problem is it's not the interpretation that pervades the American media/consciousness. While Boring may not be right about everything (but he also could be) he does a great job of recognizing the core themes and values of John and using them as a key to interpreting the mind numbing images of the letter of Revelation.
July 19, 2012
Without question the best commentary on Revelation I've ever read!
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March 5, 2013I'd say this is a book for studying rather than reading. I'm still early in it but if you think the Bible ought to be read (or studied) with context this is a good place to learn about Revelation.
August 21, 2013
Seminary course work "Preaching the Book of Revelation" Cornish Rogers
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May 23, 2017A readable neo orthodox commentary on Revelation, has some good points. He says read it all at once in church using your minds eye as in a radio drama.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews