Wipf and Stock The Final Prophecy of Jesus: An Introduction, Analysis, and Commentary on the Book of Revelation

This commentary is the first major work on the book of Revelation in many years that expounds the historicist interpretation. The historicist school of interpretation was the dominant approach from Reformation times through most of the nineteenth century. The reasons for the current disaffection are too complex to address in a few words, but it is the author's conviction that from the standpoint of sound principles of biblical hermeneutics, the historicist inerpretation is still the most creditable approach for an accurate understanding of this, the last book of the Bible and the final prophecy of Jesus. Endorsements: Professor Collins has crafted a masterful yet readable contribution to New Testament scholarship. His faithful historicist view resonates with that of the original reformation theologians and specifies events in unfolding world history for corroboration. As the ideal introduction for the uninitiated or an exhaustive compendium for the defender of the historicist perspective, this volume is the definitive reference on the historicist interpretation of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. --Sidney T. Bradley, Executive and Academic Dean, Professor of Pastoral Counseling and Psychology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary You've been waiting for this thorough, interesting and readable book! For Christians confused by the popular blending of prophecy with clever fiction, Professor Collins offers a better way. In dialogue with the most knowledgeable commentators on the book of Revelation, he clarifies the book's message and points to its fulfilment in the actual events of world history. In the process he demonstrates the continuing value of the Protestant Reformer's approach to the Bible's predictions. This long overdue book will take its place as the best contemporary presentation of the historicist approach to interpreting the prophecy of Scripture. And I commend it to you for its exciting and informative challenge. --David A. Dean, Professor Emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary ""Dr. Collins has done well in writing a commentary on Revelation from the historicist perspective. The historical approach was well represented in the 19th century, but not now. Therefore, this commentary is a welcome and necessary addition in the 21st century. Personally I have learned much from reading this work and I am thankful for the labors the author devoted to this project."" --Simon Kistemaker, ThD, Professor of New Testament Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando. ""The Historicist School of interpretation once dominated the realm of Revelation scholarship. Eclipsed now by the Preterist and Futurist models, historicism has become nearly forgotten, a turn of events much to be regretted. ""Professor Collins has brought to fruition a work that ends the long drought of scholarly literature from this perspective. The Final Prophecy of Jesus represents the very finest historical, exegetical, and interpretive method in addressing the message of the Apocalypse. Whether or not one agrees with his conclusions, there can be no doubt that his exhaustive treatment is destined to become the standard work on the subject within the historicist tradition."" --Eugene H. Merrill, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary. ""Oral Collins draws from decades of study, reflection and teaching to produce the first major commentary on Revelation in nearly a century from the time-honored historicist position. In arguing his case, he combines careful analysis of the relevant intertestamental and Roman sources, insightful exegesis of the biblical texts, broad examination of the history of scholarship, and pastoral sensitivity to application for life today. By restating the historical approach, Collins compels a new generation of students to look again at Revelation and at Jesus Christ, who is revealed in it. --Daniel J. Estes, Ph. D., Distinquished Professo