Making Sense of the Book of Revelation (Regent's Study Guides 15)

As the author of this study remarks, the Book of Revelation stirs powerful emotions. It can fascinate, inspire and mystify, while it can also repel the reader with its images of violence. Competing voices today cry out for us to accept their interpretation. Some claim that the book is a road map for future events, others that it is a plea for justice for the oppressed. The author sets out to provide a guide for the perplexed, setting the book in the context of its time and showing that it remains an encouragement for Christians facing opposition and hostility in any age. In a straightforward way the author explores the colorful and often puzzling imagery of the book, tracing its origins in the Old Testament and other literature, and highlighting the message that Christ is the Lord of the world who will overcome all evil. In an exceptionally clear style, the author roots the book in history, finds its message for today, and opens up its assurance of hope for the future. Making Sense of the Book of Revelation Contents 1: Introduction: Approaching the Book 2: The Social Context of Revelation 3: The Type of Literature of the Book of Revelation 4: Setting the Scene: Revelation 1 5: Overview of the Letters to the Seven Churches: Revelation 2–3 6: The Message to Each of the Seven Churches: Revelation 2–3 7: From Earth to Heaven: Revelation 4–5 8: Wrath from Above. The Opening of the Seven Seals: Revelation 6:1–8:5 image plates 9: Ruin Repeated. The Blowing of the Trumpets: Revelation 8:6–11:19 10: The Defeat of the Dragon and the Emergence of the Two Beasts: Revelation 12–13 11: Life from the Lamb or Wrath from the Bowls: Revelation 14–16 12: The Overthrow of ‘Babylon’: Revelation 17:1–19:10 13: The End of Evil: Revelation 19:11–20:15 14: A New Heaven, a New Earth, and the New Jerusalem: Revelation 21–22 15: Epilogue: The Enduring Value of the Book of Revelation Index