Overview – This is a full-length commentary on the Book of Revelation. Its 399 pages include an in-depth 98-page introduction to the Apocalypse, paragraph-by-paragraph discussion of the text, chapter overviews, essays on special topics, and over a hundred charts and over fifty illustrations. Nineteen bonus essays, including the Christology of Revelation chapter 5 (3 pages), the meaning of 666 (12 pages), Armageddon (5 pages), the hermeneutics of the “Left Behind” series (28 pages), seven Bible truths about End Times (12 pages), a critique of Christian Zionism (28 pages), hundreds of end-notes and an annotated bibliography (27 pages).
Inside the Introduction – In the introduction, this study guide lays out the principles of interpretation that it consistently follows throughout the paragraph-by-paragraph exposition. The historical and cultural background of the first-century Roman province of Asia provides tremendous assistance in interpreting the text, as well as the Old Testament background for the imagery, numerology, and theological motifs of Revelation.
Interpretation Principles – The most basic of Bible interpretation principle employed is this: the Book of Revelation first has to be meaningful from the viewpoint of the original readers and only then can we relate it to today. As simple and common-sense as this rule is, it is amazing that it is so seldom followed in the interpretation of the Apocalypse. Another important principle is to learn how the Book of Revelation itself indicates what to take literally and what figuratively.
But How Do We Know? Also, the introduction lays out principles for sorting between what we can know for certain, what we can assume is likely or probable, and we must admit is possible, though uncertain. In other words, we interpreters of the Apocalypse need more humility! We need to learn how to say, “This is what I think it means, and here’s why,” rather than “It obviously means such and so, as any nincompoop can see.” And if its meaning remains uncertain, we need to admit it.
The farther removed we are from the text itself, from its Old Testament, historical, and cultural backgrounds, the less certain we can be of our conclusions. On the other hand, the more closely we follow the text, the more we pay attention to the Old Testament parallels, and the more we dig into the archaeology, history, and first-century culture of Roman Asia, the more confident we can be about our conclusions regarding what it meant for the original readers. Then, when we determine that, we can find credible answers to the burning question, “What does Revelation mean for us in the 21st century? What difference does it make in how we live? Can it also help us to overcome?”
Special Features of the Exposition – Each section of the text begins with a one to three-page overview, explaining what happens in the section, identifying the meaning for the original readers, and suggesting modern applications. A chart summarizing the Old Testament background of the section is next. Then comes a paragraph-by-paragraph explanation, drawing from the Old Testament background, historical and cultural background, and the connections Revelation has with the rest of the New Testament. Interspersed are bonus essays, diagrams, site plans, original poems, and photos.
Get the text that has been used successfully at Sunset International Bible Institute, Harding University, and in many adult Bible classes and church seminars.
Digital edition – $9.95
Overcoming: Guide for Understanding the Book of Revelation This digital version (pdf) has all of the same pages that the print version had, at one-fourth of the retail price of the print edition. PLUS many of the illustrations in this edition are in full color! 399 pages. 31 Mb
How do I deliver your PDF-format e-books? All of our e-books are instant downloads in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Click on any link below to explore the details. Be sure to click on any thumbnail labeled “Look inside” to view the available previews, also in PDF format. Previews are only available for the longer e-books. (PDFs are viewable on any computer using Acrobat Reader, which is available for a free download from Adobe.) [TOP]
Overcoming: Guide to Understanding the Book of Revelation
Inside the Introduction – In the introduction, this study guide lays out the principles of interpretation that it consistently follows throughout the paragraph-by-paragraph exposition. The historical and cultural background of the first-century Roman province of Asia provides tremendous assistance in interpreting the text, as well as the Old Testament background for the imagery, numerology, and theological motifs of Revelation.
Interpretation Principles – The most basic of Bible interpretation principle employed is this: the Book of Revelation first has to be meaningful from the viewpoint of the original readers and only then can we relate it to today. As simple and common-sense as this rule is, it is amazing that it is so seldom followed in the interpretation of the Apocalypse. Another important principle is to learn how the Book of Revelation itself indicates what to take literally and what figuratively.
But How Do We Know? Also, the introduction lays out principles for sorting between what we can know for certain, what we can assume is likely or probable, and we must admit is possible, though uncertain. In other words, we interpreters of the Apocalypse need more humility! We need to learn how to say, “This is what I think it means, and here’s why,” rather than “It obviously means such and so, as any nincompoop can see.” And if its meaning remains uncertain, we need to admit it.
The farther removed we are from the text itself, from its Old Testament, historical, and cultural backgrounds, the less certain we can be of our conclusions. On the other hand, the more closely we follow the text, the more we pay attention to the Old Testament parallels, and the more we dig into the archaeology, history, and first-century culture of Roman Asia, the more confident we can be about our conclusions regarding what it meant for the original readers. Then, when we determine that, we can find credible answers to the burning question, “What does Revelation mean for us in the 21st century? What difference does it make in how we live? Can it also help us to overcome?”
Special Features of the Exposition – Each section of the text begins with a one to three-page overview, explaining what happens in the section, identifying the meaning for the original readers, and suggesting modern applications. A chart summarizing the Old Testament background of the section is next. Then comes a paragraph-by-paragraph explanation, drawing from the Old Testament background, historical and cultural background, and the connections Revelation has with the rest of the New Testament. Interspersed are bonus essays, diagrams, site plans, original poems, and photos.
Get the text that has been used successfully at Sunset International Bible Institute, Harding University, and in many adult Bible classes and church seminars.
Digital edition – $9.95
Overcoming: Guide for Understanding the Book of Revelation This digital version (pdf) has all of the same pages that the print version had, at one-fourth of the retail price of the print edition. PLUS many of the illustrations in this edition are in full color! 399 pages. 31 Mb
How do I deliver your PDF-format e-books? All of our e-books are instant downloads in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Click on any link below to explore the details. Be sure to click on any thumbnail labeled “Look inside” to view the available previews, also in PDF format. Previews are only available for the longer e-books. (PDFs are viewable on any computer using Acrobat Reader, which is available for a free download from Adobe.) [TOP]
Steve has been a Bible teacher for over 30 years. He has written many articles, more than 20 e-books, and several study guides, most recently, Overcoming: Guide to Understanding the Book of Revelation. His website, DeeperStudy.com, encourages all people to go deeper in their understanding of the Word of God, the Bible, and to become authentic, New Testament Christians who serve a risen Lord.