Revelation (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series)

Throughout Christian history, the revelation to John of Patmos is the strangest and most puzzling literature in the New Testament.It is a work that teases and tantalizes the imagination, a work that often obscures as much as it reveals. Yet if Revelation is the most enigmatic of the New Testament writings, it is also one of the New Testament’s most powerful works. It challenges its readers to be faithful servants of God, demanding unswerving loyalty to the God “who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” John’s visions contain strong words of warning and judgment, reminding readers of the stringent demands placed upon those who would be followers of the Lamb. At the same time, Revelation presents a message of comfort, offering images of hope and assurance in the midst of uncertainty and despair. Though a plethora of commentaries and monographs on Revelation exists, few of them are as readable as Reddish’s recent effort. His presentation of the material is well researched and carefully nuanced, reflecting a wide reading on the subject. Of the midlevel commentaries on this challenging book, Reddish’s must rank among the best for pastors and teachers who want an accessible point of entry to discussing Revelation.—Ben Witherington IIIAsbury Theological SeminaryIWilmore, KentuckyI